Damien Hirst Noble Path 2019 Butterflies and household gloss on canvas, 243.8 x 365.8 cm | 96 x 144 in.
© Damien Hirst and Science Ltd. All rights reserved, DACS 2019. Photo © Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd. Courtesy White Cube
White Cube Mason’s Yard opened Damien Hirst’s first major solo exhibition in London in seven years, comprised of new paintings from his ‘Mandalas’ series.
Continuing themes from his ‘Kaleidoscope’ series, Hirst’s new works take inspiration from the ‘mandala’, a symbolic representation of the universe that can be used as a meditative instrument.
Damien Hirst Subservience 2019 Butterflies and household gloss on canvas Diameter: 91.4 cm | 36 in.
© Damien Hirst and Science Ltd. All rights reserved, DACS 2019. Photo © Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd. Courtesy White Cube
In these paintings, iridescent and delicate butterfly wings are laid onto canvas and held in place by a richly coloured surface of gloss paint. Arranged concentrically, in contrast to the grid structure of earlier series, the whole serves to create a rhythmic and mesmeric pattern that draws the viewer in.
Hirst began working with butterflies as early as 1989. His ‘Kaleidoscope’ paintings were first created in 2001, in part inspired by a Victorian tea tray decorated with intricate patterns of butterfly wings. Describing the image of the butterfly as a ‘universal trigger’, Hirst states: ‘Everyone’s frightened of sharks, everyone loves butterflies.’
The exhibition is accompanied by a fully-illustrated catalogue featuring an essay by Rod Mengham.
Damien Hirst Mandalas White Cube Mason’s Yard 20th September – 2nd November 2019
Preview: Thursday 19th September, 6 – 8pm More Damien Hirst stuff HERE
