Mickey White 2014 by Damien Hirst

Damien Hirst’s Mickey White, 2014, is a colored screenprint using glaze on woven paper. The piece uses only red, black, yellow, and beige circles on a white background to depict Mickey Mouse. Mickey is Hirst’s response to Disney’s invitation to him to re-imagine their most iconic character. In February of 2014, the work was sold at auction at Christie’s in London. The piece netted £902,500 for Hirst’s choice of charity, Kids Company. Kids Company, which closed in 2015, was a charity that supported at-risk urban youth in the United Kingdom.

Hirst views Mickey Mouse as a timeless character who “represents happiness” and the joys of childhood. Mickey Mouse brings joy and comfort to children, especially to those who feel alone and afraid due to life circumstances. Hirst’s work reflects that joy and simplicity we often cherish in childhood.