Coralie Aude Grassin visits Damien Hirst’s fleeting exhibition…
Mention Damien Hirst during any dinner party and you will get unconditional attention from every guest. This contemporary artist of many skills has a fascinating way of presenting the fragility of life, always balancing it with precise, colourful or exquisite beauty.
A favourite theme has always been butterflies. It offers the best of contrasts: a life so very short it is amost at its end, raising the question of its worth.
With his new exhibition at the Paul Stolper gallery, Hirst extends his fascination even further. Choosing four different kind of butterflies, he assembled them in a rainbow of colours, filling the walls with 120 specimens.
Entitled The Souls, it is easy to see the silent question towards religion. Look closely at the wings, foiled with metallic but bright colours. The surface is so polished you are perfectly reflected in it – how symbolic!
Although two-dimensional, they seem ready to fly away at any moment. Still and vibrant at the same time.
The idea came from a Warhol show where paintings of flowers covered the walls. Hirst was impressed with the hypnotising and contemplative effect. A very soothing and inspiring exhibition that is very much worth the detour.
Damien Hirst: The Souls runs until 13 November 2010 at Paul Stolper Gallery, London WC1A 1LH.
Photos by Coralie Aude Grassin.