Red, Yellow Swallowtail and green spots (Unique), 2008

Damien Hirst’s Red, Yellow Swallowtail and Green Spots is a unique work that belongs to his long-standing fascination with butterflies, a recurring motif in his exploration of themes such as life, death, beauty, and fragility. Butterflies have featured prominently in Hirst's work since the early 1990s, serving as symbols of both vitality and mortality.

This particular piece showcases a vibrant Red and Yellow Swallowtail butterfly, positioned meticulously against a background of green spots. The juxtaposition of the natural butterfly form with the abstract and geometric pattern of the spots exemplifies Hirst’s interest in blending the organic with the controlled, drawing parallels between the unpredictability of life and the human desire for order.

Hirst’s use of butterflies is deeply rooted in the history of art and natural science. By capturing these creatures in a state of suspended animation, he immortalizes their ephemeral beauty while reminding viewers of their fragile existence. The butterfly, with its brief yet vibrant life cycle, serves as a perfect symbol for Hirst's ongoing meditations on the fleeting nature of life.

In Red, Yellow Swallowtail and Green Spots, Hirst further explores the tension between natural decay and artificial preservation, a central theme in much of his work. The green spots contrast with the lifelike appearance of the butterfly, suggesting both vibrancy and stillness, making the viewer reflect on the permanence of art versus the impermanence of life.

Hirst’s butterfly works have become some of his most iconic, blending elements of Pop Art, scientific classification, and classical Vanitas themes. This piece continues that tradition, offering a meditation on the transience of life, the beauty of nature, and humanity’s attempts to capture and preserve that beauty. It stands as a unique example of Hirst’s innovative approach to contemporary art.

Explore more of Damien Hirst’s unique works, prints, and editions at Mimesis Gallery, where his legacy of blending life, art, and science continues to captivate audiences worldwide.