The Empresses by Damien Hirst

Damien Hirst’s ‘The Empresses’ series includes five mesmerizing laminated giclée prints on aluminum composite panel with glittering diamond dust, named after iconic Empresses in world history.

The Empresses prints are symmetrical, asymmetrical, and spiral patterns of meticulously organised butterflies that nonetheless exude hope and life – the butterflies feel as if they are taking flight. This effect is in part aided by the material, laminated Giclée print on aluminium composite, screen printed with glitter, which allows the butterfly wings to be presented in such detail that they appear lifelike.

Since the begining of his career Hirst has interacted with the butterfly, one of his best-known motifs. Inspired by a chance encounter in his studio and the intricate patterms found on Victorian tea trays, in 'The Empresses' Hirst develops on the the complex compositions invented in his 'Kaleidoscope Paintings' series begun in 2001. In 'The Empresses,' Hirst builds on his interest in the insect's association with freedom, religion, life and death, linking butterflues to themes of glory, feamle power and the development of nations through the prints' namesake female rulers.