The Virtues, H9-2 Courage

About This Work

Damien Hirst's "The Virtues, H9-2 Courage", created in 2021, seamlessly blends his penchant for challenging contemporary art boundaries with his recurring exploration of foundational themes like mortality and value. This work, which is part of an edition of 760, utilizes the medium of laminated Giclée print on aluminium composite panel, measuring 120 by 96 cm. Such a choice of durable and contemporary materials reflects Hirst's continued exploration of the relationship between traditional artistic methods and modern technological advancements. By employing a Giclée print technique, Hirst ensures a level of precision and vibrancy that echoes his meticulous approach to art production. "The Virtues, H9-2 Courage" stands as a testament to Hirst's broader practice that often intersects the realms of science and art, realism and abstraction, the fleeting and the eternal. While the specific content of the print isn't detailed here, the title alone—Courage—evokes a philosophical inquiry that is typical of Hirst’s work. It suggests an exploration of human emotion and strength, perhaps parallel to the kind of boldness Hirst himself exhibited when he curated "Freeze" in 1988. This student-led exhibition was a pivotal moment for British art, signaling the arrival of the Young British Artists, with Hirst taking center stage as a prominent voice. Hirst's commitment to the industrial and the immaculate can also be seen in the execution of this work. The choice of medium—a laminated finish over aluminium—affords the piece a sleek, polished feel, reminiscent of his 'Spot Paintings' series. These works, produced with industrial precision, engage with themes of replication and commodification in art. Yet, while the 'Spot Paintings' encapsulate ordered chaos through calculated repetition, "The Virtues, H9-2 Courage" invites the viewer to interpret personal resilience, individual fortitude, and the dynamic interplay of courage in the human condition. As part of Zebra One Gallery's collection, "The Virtues, H9-2 Courage" aligns perfectly with the gallery’s focus on pieces that push the envelope of materiality and meaning, offering collectors a chance to engage deeply with the avant-garde narratives that define contemporary British art.

About the Artist

Damien Hirst was born in 1965 in Bristol and grew up in Leeds. In 1984 he moved to London, where he worked in construction before studying for a BA in Fine Art at Goldsmiths college from 1986 to 1989. He was awarded the Turner Prize in 1995. Since the late 1980’s, Hirst has used a varied practise of...

Zebra One Gallery

Contemporary Art • Hampstead, London

Established 1976 • 50 years of excellence in contemporary art • Professional authentication and provenance research