Damien Hirst's 'The Currency' paintings misdated by years, Guardian investigation reveals
An investigation by The Guardian has uncovered that approximately 1,000 artworks from Damien Hirst's 'The Currency' initiative, which is associated with the year 2016, were actually created in 2018 and 2019. This collection consists of 10,000 hand-painted dot pieces that were sold in 2021 for roughly $18 million through Heni, Hirst's business manager, with claims that they were 'handcrafted in 2016.' Reports suggest that the production took place at two Science Ltd studios located in Gloucestershire and London, resembling a 'Henry Ford production line.' Hirst's legal team asserted that it is his 'usual practice' to date works by their conception, denying any intention to mislead. This revelation follows criticism from March regarding three formaldehyde sculptures attributed to the 1990s but actually created in 2017.
Key facts
- Approximately 1,000 paintings in Damien Hirst's 'The Currency' series were dated 2016 but produced in 2018-2019
- The project consisted of 10,000 hand-painted dot works on A4 paper, each signed by Hirst and dated 2016
- Works were sold in 2021 through Heni for around $18 million total as physical pieces or NFTs
- Production occurred at Science Ltd studios in Gloucestershire and London using dozens of painters
- Hirst's lawyers state dating physical works with project conception date is his 'usual practice' for conceptual projects
- Similar dating controversy occurred in March regarding three formaldehyde sculptures dated 1990s but produced 2017
- Artwork age typically affects market value, with dates generally indicating completion
- The Currency works include anti-counterfeiting measures for both physical and digital versions
Entities
Artists
- Damien Hirst
Institutions
- The Guardian
- Heni
- Science Ltd
Locations
- Gloucestershire
- London
- United Kingdom