Damien Hirst

"Say it ain't for me" with the token ID 5858 is part of Damien Hirst's first NFT collection and first NFT project, "The Currency", which was launched on 29 July 2021. "The Currency" consisted of 10,000 unique dot paintings by Hirst on handmade paper, which initially existed both as so-called NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), i.e. non-tamperable digital certificates and thus virtual originals that are secured in a blockchain, and as physical works of art. By 27 July 2022, their buyers had the choice between the two media, with 4,851 collectors opting for the digital token and 5,149 for the physical artwork. In September 2022, all 10,000 dot paintings that made up "The Currency" were finally shown in an exhibition at Hirst's gallery, the Newport Street Gallery, in London, and the 4,851 works whose owners had opted to hold the NFTs were burnt during the exhibition.
The idea for this project originated in 2016, so all of the dot paintings in "The Currency" are dated 2016, regardless of when they were created. They are ultimately based on Damien Hirst's iconic "Spot Paintings", but without adopting their uniform, perfect execution of the circles and strict structure. As a result, the individual works in "The Currency" display a greater vibrancy and playful lightness. Each individual work differs in the number, execution and colourfulness of its dots, is unique and therefore bears its own title. The work with the token ID 5858 bears the title "Say it ain't for me", its corresponding NFT has been destroyed. Anette Brunner