There has long been doubt about the extent of Damien Hirst’s actual involvement with his art, but his latest project certainly hits the mark – with the 57-year-old using technology to do the work for him.
In 1975, as a nine-year-old, he became fascinated with an episode of the children’s TV show Blue Peter, in which host John Noakes made colorful works of art from a motorized cardboard spinning machine, known as spin painting, and Hirst produced them. during the past three decades.
His latest venture makes effective use of “generative and machine learning algorithms” to allow fans to design their own algorithms.
Using one of 25 templates created by Hirst, those wishing to purchase a painting must choose their “own combination of colours, styles, shapes, sizes and mediums” to create a unique piece, which he then will be hand signed and printed on canvas to be posted to the buyer in physical form, or produced digitally.
And they are not cheap: a painting 100 cm in diameter will cost the buyer almost £5,000.
Using one of 25 templates created by Hirst (pictured), those looking to purchase a painting must choose their “own combination of colours, styles, shapes, sizes and mediums” to create a one-of-a-kind piece
“I am beyond excited to release my new project, The Beautiful Paintings, which uses a generative algorithm and machine learning to create spin artworks,” he says.
‘I’ve created 25 different spin styles and other options for you to choose from to generate unique works of art; if you like what you’re making, you can purchase the artwork as a physical or digital piece.
‘I will sign all canvases with paint on the front. Who knows what this will all lead to, but I’m so impressed with what I’ve created with this technology to push the boundaries and create these beautiful works of art. I called the series The Beautiful Paintings for obvious reasons.’
With an estimated fortune of £300 million, Hirst, the world’s richest artist, became infamous for employing a factory of assistants to help create mass-produced works.
A shawl for Pattinson and Suki
They’ve been together since 2018, but it’s still rare to see Robert Pattinson and Suki Waterhouse show off their affection in public.
The mostly private couple was seen wrapped in each other’s arms while walking in Manhattan, New York. Dressed in caps and puffer jackets, they went unnoticed by passersby.
Suki, 31, who stars in the new Amazon Prime TV series Daisy Jones & The Six, and the 36-year-old The Batman star are both from the UK but are said to have recently bought their first property together in the Hollywood Hills.
They’ve been together since 2018, but it’s still rare to see Robert Pattinson and Suki Waterhouse show off their affection in public
Suki (left), 31, who stars in the new Amazon Prime TV series Daisy Jones & The Six, and the 36-year-old The Batman star (right) are both from the UK
While Amy Winehouse’s father Mitch has endorsed Sam Taylor-Johnson’s upcoming Back To Black biopic about the late singer, he has expressed disapproval of Eddie Marsan portraying him on screen, suggesting the actor is not ‘very attractive’.
Rather than being offended, Marsan, 54, agrees with Mitch, 72, saying, “If I played me, I’d be offended.” I have a face like a sack.’
After retiring from F1 racing in the late 1990s, Damon Hill had much more time left to devote to his passion for playing the guitar.
The 62-year-old 1996 Formula 1 world champion had once played in a punk band at school, so when he met one of The Beatles he thought he’d get an opinion on whether his guitar playing was close to his skills behind the wheel.
Sadly not, it seems, based on George Harrison’s underhanded compliment. “George said I play guitar just as well as he drives,” Damon laughs.
Ride the flo like a mermaid
It looks a bit strange, singer Florence Welch lying in the bath and dressed as a mermaid.
The lead singer of indie rock band Florence & The Machine shared a video online of her in a blue-and-gold mermaid tail as she reclined in the tub.
The London-born singer, 36, has previously alluded to the importance of her childhood mermaid dreams appearing in her music.
“I was a slightly awkward kid, so being underwater was being graceful. It just takes you a little bit under, away from something.”
You’re right, honey.
The lead singer of indie rock band Florence & The Machine (pictured) shared a video online of her in a blue-and-gold mermaid tail as she reclined in the tub
Why it’s a dog’s life on the ski slopes
Dog lover James Middleton has given his top tips for, er, skiing with your dog… like you do.
The Princess of Wales’s brother recently treated his golden retriever Mabel to an all-expenses-paid trip to the slopes – and has helpfully shared how to do it for anyone so inclined.
“Instead of getting lift passes and leaving Mabel behind, she came with us and we hiked up the mountains and had a lot of fun going down,” says the 35-year-old entrepreneur of a marshmallow and mail-order dog food company, who lives with his wife Alizee Thevenet.
“Always carry a first aid kit and a large container of petroleum jelly,” advises Middleton. “When Vaseline is rubbed on the paws, it forms a barrier to prevent snow from sticking to your dog’s paw pads and burning them.
“Avoid busy areas and make sure your dog is under control, on a lead where necessary, and always make sure you focus on your dog’s safety and well-being.”
Or… just leave it at home.