Damien Hirst’s Spot series, launched in 1986, is one of the most recognizable bodies of work in contemporary art. Initially appearing as paintings, the series has expanded to include prints, woodcuts, and other editions, all featuring rows of carefully arranged, vividly colored dots set against a plain background. Each spot is precisely placed and uniquely colored, creating a rhythmic, almost scientific visual order.
The concept behind the series is closely tied to Hirst’s longstanding fascination with medicine, science, and the human body. The spots are inspired by pharmaceutical pills and the clinical presentation of medicine, evoking the grids of pills found in hospitals and pharmacies. In this way, the works subtly reference healing, illness, and the intersection of art and science, highlighting both the beauty and sterility of medical imagery.
Beyond their clinical inspiration, the Spots explore ideas of repetition, serialization, and the tension between mechanical precision and human authorship. Each dot, while seemingly uniform, is hand-applied in many works, underscoring the blend of systematic rigor and human touch. Across paintings, prints, and woodcuts, the Spot series remains a hallmark of Hirst’s exploration of life, mortality, and the visual power of color.
