Damien Hirst, H6-6 Earth, 2020

Diasec-mounted Giclée print on aluminum composite panel

39.5 x 39.5 in | 100 x 100 cm

Ed of 60

Damien Hirst’s ‘Earth’ is a warm yet undeniably entrancing pictorial exploration of the first element theorised as needed to achieve equilibrium.

In this work from ‘The Elements’ (H6, 2020), images of butterfly wings, one of Hirst’s best-known motifs, are arranged into complicated and precise patterns. Indeed, these patterns and the palettes of the wings reflect its namesake element. ‘Earth’ is characterised by a mandala-like form reminiscent of the growth rings of an ancient tree, built up in rich, deep browns, blacks, and softening beiges and greys, lifted by terracotta orange and blood red accents.

Humanity’s fundamental and primordial relationship to the element of earth is often characterised as maternal. Earth is itself a source of new life which provides us with physical and spiritual nourishment, and is represented here as a delicate, yet solid, network of butterfly wings. Our ongoing reliance on this element is reflected in Hirst’s own fascination with the complex relationships between nature, science and religion. He himself has said, “[pills] come out of flowers, plants, things from the ground, and they make you feel good”.