Damien Hirst
H10-2 Nūr Jahān (The Empresses), 2022
Laminated Giclée print on aluminium composite, screen printed with glitter
39 3/8 x 39 3/8 in
100 x 100 cm
100 x 100 cm
Edition of 3,041
Series: H10 - The Empresses
Copyright The Artist
In Damien Hirst's print titled Nūr Jahān, the viewer is immersed in the legacy of the multi-skilled de-facto empress of the Mughal Empire. Named after this remarkable historical figure, the...
In Damien Hirst's print titled Nūr Jahān, the viewer is immersed in the legacy of the multi-skilled de-facto empress of the Mughal Empire. Named after this remarkable historical figure, the artwork is a vibrant mosaic of butterfly wings, reflecting the richness of Nūr Jahān's influence. The symmetrical patterns and striking hues of red and black create an entrancing kaleidoscope-like composition. At its heart lies a central pair of wings, surrounded by intricate arrangements that seem to shift and transform, inviting the viewer into a mesmerizing visual journey.
As one explores Nūr Jahān, new patterns and passages reveal themselves, mirroring the empress's multifaceted personality and accomplishments. The use of glittering lines adds a sense of regal splendor, reminiscent of the opulence of Mughal art and architecture. Each wing, meticulously rendered in lifelike detail, conveys a sense of motion and vitality, as if the butterflies are in perpetual flight. This dynamic energy echoes Nūr Jahān's ability to navigate the complexities of the Mughal court with grace and skill.
Hirst's choice of vibrant red tones further enhances the artwork's impact, symbolizing life, passion, and the enduring legacy of Nūr Jahān. The composition, with its symmetrical arrangement of wings, reflects the balance and harmony she sought to achieve during her influential reign. The intricate, tectonic organization recalls the architectural efforts of Nūr Jahān, whose designs are believed to have inspired the Taj Mahal. Each wing seems to tell a story of the empress's strength and determination, captured in the delicate beauty of butterfly wings.
Moreover, the arrangement of Nūr Jahān is in a constant state of transformation, much like the empress herself who constantly adapted to the challenges of her time. The large black and red pairs of wings that encircle the composition create an uneven frame, infusing the artwork with a sense of vitality and movement. From afar, the composition takes on a ballooning arrangement, evocative of biological or molecular structures, symbolizing the growth and evolution Nūr Jahān brought to the Mughal Empire.
In Nūr Jahān, Damien Hirst pays homage to the enduring legacy of this influential empress through a vibrant and dynamic composition. The artwork is not merely a representation but a celebration of Nūr Jahān's vision, strength, and contributions to Mughal art and culture. It stands as a testament to the power of women throughout history, captured in the exquisite beauty of butterfly wings.
As one explores Nūr Jahān, new patterns and passages reveal themselves, mirroring the empress's multifaceted personality and accomplishments. The use of glittering lines adds a sense of regal splendor, reminiscent of the opulence of Mughal art and architecture. Each wing, meticulously rendered in lifelike detail, conveys a sense of motion and vitality, as if the butterflies are in perpetual flight. This dynamic energy echoes Nūr Jahān's ability to navigate the complexities of the Mughal court with grace and skill.
Hirst's choice of vibrant red tones further enhances the artwork's impact, symbolizing life, passion, and the enduring legacy of Nūr Jahān. The composition, with its symmetrical arrangement of wings, reflects the balance and harmony she sought to achieve during her influential reign. The intricate, tectonic organization recalls the architectural efforts of Nūr Jahān, whose designs are believed to have inspired the Taj Mahal. Each wing seems to tell a story of the empress's strength and determination, captured in the delicate beauty of butterfly wings.
Moreover, the arrangement of Nūr Jahān is in a constant state of transformation, much like the empress herself who constantly adapted to the challenges of her time. The large black and red pairs of wings that encircle the composition create an uneven frame, infusing the artwork with a sense of vitality and movement. From afar, the composition takes on a ballooning arrangement, evocative of biological or molecular structures, symbolizing the growth and evolution Nūr Jahān brought to the Mughal Empire.
In Nūr Jahān, Damien Hirst pays homage to the enduring legacy of this influential empress through a vibrant and dynamic composition. The artwork is not merely a representation but a celebration of Nūr Jahān's vision, strength, and contributions to Mughal art and culture. It stands as a testament to the power of women throughout history, captured in the exquisite beauty of butterfly wings.
