I Love You - black, cool gold, loganberry, 2015

Damien Hirst, one of the most prominent and provocative figures in contemporary art, rose to international fame as a central member of the Young British Artists (YBAs) in the 1990s. Known for his fascination with mortality, beauty, science, and commercialism, Hirst’s work spans a wide range of media, from preserved animals in formaldehyde to medicine cabinets and spot paintings. His practice consistently challenges conventional definitions of art and often courts controversy, pushing boundaries between aesthetics and ethics. Hirst’s embrace of repetition, symbolism, and high-production methods reflect both a critique and celebration of the art market, fame, and value.

In I Love You – black, cool gold, loganberry (2015), Hirst continues his exploration of emotional symbolism and commercial technique through a limited-edition silkscreen and foil block print. The work features a clean and bold composition, centered around the universally resonant phrase “I Love You,” rendered in a rich palette of black, metallic cool gold, and loganberry—a deep, wine-toned hue. Executed on high-quality Somerset Satin 410gsm paper and produced in a rare edition of just 15, the piece reflects Hirst’s ability to fuse emotional directness with meticulous production. While seemingly straightforward, the work operates on multiple levels: as a minimalist declaration of affection, a meditation on language as object, and a commentary on the commodification of love in a branded, consumable form.