Damien Hirst, H6-3 Patience, 2019

Diasec-mounted Giclée print on aluminum composite panel

39.5 x 39.5 in | 90 x 90 cm

Ed of 50

The patterns of butterfly wings employed by Damien Hirst in ‘Patience’, rendered in various hues of blue and white, are remarkable. A kaleidoscopic composition from ‘The Aspects’ (H6, 2019), Hirst first began allocating his butterfly motif into intricate patterns in 2001 with his ‘Kaleidoscope Paintings’ series.

Variously sized single and paired wings emanate from the work’s centre, producing a concentric circle at its base that is surrounded by complimenting arrangements. What is perhaps most striking about this pattern is the strong black lines that diagonally cross to meet each corner. With the wings set against a black background, the lines shoot through pairs of wings where the butterfly bodies once existed.

While these butterfly wings are not real, the present artwork manages to capture their every detail, each delicate line and subtle colour variation. These details enliven the butterflies, as do Hirst’s stained glass-like illuminations. Fascinated by the spiritual symbolism associated with butterflies, having been used by the Greeks to depict Psyche, the soul, and in Christian imagery to signify the resurrection, Hirst arranged the wings like a Gothic window. Appearing like pieces of glass lit from behind, the wings are imbued with a godliness.