“I do believe somehow in the magic of art even though I don’t want to. I believe in science. I want clear answers.” —Damien Hirst
Damien Hirst’s spin paintings can be seen as a nostalgic homage to childhood, exploring the notion of freedom. Devising a mechanical machine characterised by chance, each work is a vivid exploration of colour; hues overlap, interact and create the grounds for colour experimentation – each pigment collectively forming a relationship with the next. A series parturiated from a performance by Hirst and fellow YBA Angus Fairhurst, developed the concept from an artist-led street fair A Fete Worse than Death, later became of central importance to the artist's career.
Exploding out from the centre of its circular canvas the deep burst of red accents the calm stability of purple and the fierce energy of red - evading the artist's hand infuses this work with a pronounced sense of movement. The iconographic skull in the forefront of the work is typical of Hirst’s works and further explores his fascination with the intersections of art and science.