"Butterfly" by Damien Hirst

Details:

Artist: Damien Hirst (Attributed)
Title: 'Butterfly'
Date: 2008
Medium: Marker pen on paper
Dimensions: Sight 22.5 x 21 cm, Back panel 44 x 44 cm
Condition Report: Overall good condition
Signature: Lower centre
Provenance: Private collection.

Damien Hirst's 'Butterfly' is a masterful exploration of artistic dialogue across eras. Executed in 2008, this drawing of a butterfly exhibits a minimalist elegance, rendered with a single white line on paper. In Hirst's prolific career, he frequently engaged in conversations with art history, and 'Butterfly' is no exception. Here, we encounter an intriguing connection to Picasso's iconic line drawings, evident through the resemblance in style and the positioning of the signature.

Hirst's unique touch lies in his use of contemporary materials and thematic elements. By employing a marker pen, he crafts the butterfly's delicate form, adding a small heart above it. This whimsical addition, in dialogue with Picasso's expressive line work, infuses the artwork with a touch of modern sentiment. The composition's simplicity allows the viewer to focus intently on the line's purity and the significance of the heart motif.


Description:
In 'Butterfly,' Damien Hirst masterfully captures the essence of a butterfly through an expressive line drawing on paper. This minimalistic approach distills the subject down to its purest form, inviting viewers to engage with the work in a contemplative manner. Hirst's artistic intention becomes apparent as one begins to unravel the layers of artistic conversation that he weaves into this piece.

Hirst's dialogue with Picasso's legacy is evident in the drawing's style, as well as the choice of subject. The butterfly's form, rendered with exquisite precision, is reminiscent of Picasso's iconic line drawings that showcased a bold simplicity. Additionally, the placement of the signature and the calligraphic treatment echo Picasso's artistic approach. Hirst bridges the gap between two eras, paying homage to a master while infusing contemporary elements into the composition.

The inclusion of a small heart above the butterfly introduces a contemporary motif, adding a layer of emotion and sentiment. This element is a testament to Hirst's ability to connect the past and present through visual language. The composition's focus on the butterfly, positioned against the bare expanse of the paper, magnifies the delicacy and symbolism of the subject.

About the Artist:
Damien Hirst, born in 1965 in Bristol, England, is an iconic figure in the contemporary art world. Hirst's impact on the art landscape is profound, evident through his involvement in the Young British Artists movement, his provocative installations, and his experimental approach to materials and themes. His Spot paintings and Spin paintings showcase his unique style, while his medicine cabinet sculptures and glass tank installations challenge conventional boundaries. Hirst's artistic voice is one of irony and introspection, consistently questioning the role of art in contemporary culture.

In 'Butterfly,' Hirst encapsulates his ability to engage in artistic discourse across time, marrying past and present in a single stroke.