The currency: 6274. nobody should hear it
Damien Hirst
Painting - 21.5 x 30 cm Painting - 8.5 x 11.8 inch
$21,384
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Wu Zetian,
2022
Damien Hirst
Print : Screen Print
100 x 100 cm 39.4 x 39.4 inch
$5,779
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About the artwork
Type
Unique work
Signature
Hand-signed by artist
Authenticity
Sold with certificate of Authenticity from the gallery
Invoice from the gallery
Medium
Dimensions cm • inch
100 x 100 cm 39.4 x 39.4 inch Height x Width x Depth
Support
Framing
Not framed
Tags
Artwork sold in perfect condition
Artwork location: Portugal
Edition: H10-1
Series: The Empresses
Medium: Laminated Giclee print on aluminium composite, screen printed with glitter
Details: Signed and numbered on label
Edition Size: 2853
Description
'The Empresses' (H-10, 2022) marks a new iteration in Damien Hirst's exploration of the butterfly as a symbol for freedom, religion, life and death. A series of five laminated Giclée prints on aluminium composite, screen printed with glitter, each print depicts images of red and black butterfly wings, arranged into a unique kaleidoscope-like pattern. The carefully positioned wings appear mobile and their patterns transform, each print seeming to capture the butterflies in moments of variously directional flight.
Rife with symbolism and with a hexagonal composition at its centre, 'Wu Zetian' is named for the ruthless yet successful Chinese ruler. In 655 CE Wu Zetian (624-705 CE) married Emperor Gaozong and became empress, much to the dismay of many statesmen who she soon eliminated in an infamous reign of terror that she maintained over the innermost circles of government. Despite the politics and violence within, Wu Zetian proved to be a competent leader, creating stability and consolidating the Tang Dynasty at a time when it appeared to be crumbling.
At the centre of 'Wu Zetian' is a single pair of butterfly wings, which is surrounded by a concentric circle of paired wings. This arrangement blossoms into a dynamic and symmetrical hexagonal formation which has an arrangement of three pairs of wings within each point. This reliance on the number six to establish the composition recalls its reappearance across Chinese idioms to denote good will, installing six as a lucky number. The number gains additional significance as it relates to the hexagon, which in China evokes the six directions (North, South, East, West, Heaven and Earth) and therefore represents completeness, harmony and balance. These associations also recall the story of Wu Zetian whose intelligence, courage and decisiveness brought stability to her empire.
Beautifully outlined with brilliant red wings, the four corners of the picture plane are filled with further arrangements of single or paired wings. The clever transitions between compositional structures in 'Wu Zetian' lend a captivating complexity to the work that leaves it apparently ever-changing, imparting into the work a sense of movement. Effectively, the composition infuses the print with the sensation that the butterflies are indeed alive and are billowing out into the space of the viewer.
In 'Nūr Jahān', single or paired wings in various sizes and striking hues of red and black are arranged into perfectly symmetrical patterns. The wings emanate out from the centre vertically, horizontally and diagonally to create entrancing kaleidoscope-like patterns. The focal square composition appears to enshrine the central pair of wings, with the surrounding arrangements of wings seemingly receding and therefore directing the eye to its centre. This intricate, tectonic organisation recalls the architectural efforts of Nūr Jahān and the glorious mosaic tiles that adorn the Agra tomb.
Imagine it at home
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Presentation
Damien Hirst, born in 1965 in Bristol, England, is a pioneering figure in contemporary art, best known for his provocative and groundbreaking work that explores themes of life, death, and science. As a leading member of the Young British Artists (YBAs) movement, Hirst's art has left an indelible mark on the art world since the late 1980s. His work challenges conventional boundaries and continues to resonate globally, with exhibitions in major institutions like Tate Modern and the Gagosian Gallery.
In 2023, Damien Hirst's exhibition The Currency made headlines, merging traditional art with NFTs. Featuring 10,000 unique spot paintings paired with digital tokens, it allowed buyers to choose between the physical artwork or its digital version. The show, held at Hirst’s Newport Street Gallery in London, explored art ownership and the role of blockchain in the art market, positioning Hirst as a key figure in the digital art revolution. This exhibition underscores Hirst's continued influence and innovation in the evolving art landscape.
Hirst gained international fame with iconic works like "The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living", a tiger shark suspended in formaldehyde, which became a symbol of the 1990s art scene. His Spot Paintings and Medicine Cabinets have become signature pieces, blending art with science and challenging traditional ideas of beauty and mortality. In 2007, Hirst made headlines with the "For the Love of God" platinum skull, encrusted with over 8,000 diamonds.
Throughout his career, Hirst has continuously pushed the boundaries of art, embracing a variety of mediums and themes. His Neo-expressionism and Abstract Expressionism influences are evident in works that delve into fame, religion, and the human experience. In recent years, he has continued to evolve, presenting new works in exhibitions like "Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable" in Venice in 2017, with support from the Pinault Foundation.
Hirst's impact on the art world remains immense, with his works commanding high prices at auctions and attracting both admiration and controversy. His ability to provoke thought while exploring the intersection of art, science, and philosophy ensures his place as one of the most important and influential contemporary artists today.
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