Damien Hirst, “Flesh Tint” (2016) | Image courtesy of Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd

Following a public showcase of contemporary artworks by Damien Hirst in Venice last year, “Treasures From the Wreck of the Unbelievable” was perhaps the most talked-about exhibition of 2017. The Venice exhibition featured hundreds of objects said to have been lost in a legendary shipwreck and all of his works were for sale.

After years of uncharacteristic silence, this artist known for his love-it-or-hate-it artworks is orchestrating his own comeback. This time, with a new series of artworks, which will go on showcase at Houghton Hall starting March 25, and convened under the theme “Colour Space”.

Damien Hirst: New ‘Colour Space’ Paintings

“Colour Space” will showcase some of Hirst’s most celebrated sculptures such as the “Virgin Mother” (2005-2006), “Charity” (2002-2003), including a series of paintings based on his previous iconic “Spot Paintings” of the 1980s and ’90s, inspired by the logic of mechanical paint application.

Although the “Flesh Tint” (2016) is said to be “looser and more organic in appearance,” according to a statement, Hirst explains: “I originally wanted the Spots to look like they were painted by a human trying to paint like a machine. Colour Space is going back to the human element, so instead you have the fallibility of the human hand in the drips and inconsistencies.”

He adds, “There are still no two exact colours that repeat in each painting, which is really important to me. I think of them as cells under a microscope.”

Keep a look out for a display of outdoor sculptures on showcase as well, such as “Saint Bartholomew”, “Exquisite Pain” (2006, in the Entrance Hall), plus two smaller sculptures from the artist’s “levitation” series, featuring air blowers and table tennis balls.

The exhibition will take place from March 25 through July 15. For more information, please visit www.houghtonhall.com.