Damien Hirst "Wu Zetian" from "The Empresses" series - signed and numbered

This is a stunning laminated giclée on aluminium composite panel screen printed with glitter. The work is hand signed and numbered by Damien Hirst on the label on the back. Wu Zetian is a limited edition of 2,853 copies.

As-new condition. Has been hanging for a short period of time. No perceptible wear and tear. Comes with official postage/storage box.

Creator: Damien Hirst (1965, British) Creation Year: 2022 Dimensions: Height: 100 cm, Width: 100 cm, Depth: 1 cm Medium: Laminated giclée print on aluminium composite and screen printed with glitter. Style: Modern, Abstract Edition: H10-1 Edition Size: 2,853

Description from official Heni website...

‘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.

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.