Renewal
Renewal
Signed Print
Damien Hirst
Etching, 2009
Signed Print Edition of 45
H 48cm x W 39cm
Critical Review
Renewal is a signed etching produced by renowned contemporary artist, Damien Hirst. The print, made in 2009, is part of the artist’s iconic Butterfly series. In Renewal, Hirst depicts a beautiful butterfly. Positioned delicately in the centre of the composition, the magnificent purple butterfly is set against a black background, commanding the viewer’s attention. The wings of the butterfly are outstretched, enabling the viewer to see all the details of its wings.
Renewal is part of the Butterfly series, a body of etchings which are dedicated to the natural beauty of the butterfly. The butterfly is one of Hirst’s most popular motifs. Along with skulls and diamonds, which are other icons that Hirst frequently incorporates into his work, the butterfly is a symbol that has become closely associated with the artist’s name and visual language. Hirst’s most famous use of butterflies is in the Kaleidoscope series, in which the artist produces spectacular patterns of concentric circles composed of butterfly wings.
Butterflies have long interested Hirst due to the spiritual symbolism they carry. The Greeks used butterflies to depict the Psyche and soul and in Christian imagery, butterflies have been used to signify the resurrection. Hirst’s use of butterflies enables him to explore themes of life, death and religion in his artworks.
