Damien Hirst, H6-1 Mercy, 2019

Diasec-mounted Giclée print on aluminum composite panel

39.5 x 39.5 in | 100 x 100 cm

Ed of 50

Since his 2001 ‘Kaleidoscope Paintings’ series emerged, Damien Hirst has produced awe-inspiring works in which his butterfly motif is arranged into dreamy kaleidoscopic patterns, among the most entrancing being ‘Mercy’. Part of ‘The Aspects’ (H6, 2019) series, Hirst’s artwork portrays intricately placed images of butterfly wings, each in various shades of blue.

‘Mercy’ joins a lineage of Hirst’s works inspired by Victorian tea trays decorated with intricate patterns of butterfly wings. In the present work, various sizes of single and paired butterfly wings are carefully arranged, apparently billowing out from the centre of the work in perfect symmetry. While these butterflies are not real, they have the power of convincing viewers of otherwise, their delicate details superbly captured.

Named for one of the characteristics of God as detailed in the Old Testament, ‘Mercy’ builds on Hirst’s interest in the butterfly motif as spiritual symbol, having been used in Christian imagery to signify resurrection. The connection to Christian imagery and symbology is further strengthened in the stained glass-like effects of ‘’Mercy’. Not only do these wings recall carefully cut pieces of glass set into black lead cames, but they also appear illuminated, as if lit from behind. Fusing this religious symbolism with his perennial fascination with the butterfly’s ability to retain an exquisite beauty in death just as in life, here Hirst establishes the insect as an uplifting and radiant symbol of mortality.