Damien Hirst (1965) - The Empresses: H10-1 Wu Zetian

As one of today’s most important contemporary artists, Damien Hirst redefines femininity with Empresses a dazzling fusion of glitter, beauty, and timeless relevance.

This series of five laminated Giclée prints on aluminum composite features red and black butterfly wings arranged in kaleidoscopic patterns, in which Hirst reuses the butterfly as a symbol of freedom, religion, life, and death. The works are named after five influential female rulers and radiate strength, passion, and transformation.

Wu Zetian, rich in symbolism and centered around a hexagonal composition, is named after the powerful Chinese empress. The use of the number six considered auspicious in Chinese culture evokes harmony, balance, and completeness, as it represents the six directions: north, south, east, west, heaven, and earth. These associations reflect Wu Zetian’s intelligence, courage, and determination, which brought stability to her empire.