Damien Hirst has used the skull image throughout his entire career as a memento mori; a reminder of mortality and as seen in this work, it is not to shock but rather a reflection on death and life. Andy Warhol similarly explored this theme in his work particularly in series such as Electric Chair.

By choosing the luxurious gold foil and the bright colours he has subverted traditional sombre vanitas tones, inviting the viewer to see death as energising rather than a negative thing. Hirst once said;

“Death is one of those things. To live in a society where you’re trying not to look at it is stupid because looking at death throes us back into life with more vigour and energy.” A small edition of only 15 and the hand finished nature of the gold foil, this is almost a unique work from Hirst.