The butterflies, captured on red - like luminous fly-paper - are among Hirst's most famous motifs, emblematic as they are of the fleetingness of life, and the romance of death. Blending the optimistic sentiments of the Beatles with Hirst's own delicate musings on mortality, the print finds the butterflies seemingly suspended in celebration, the vibrancy of their wings never diminishing, not even in death. For the artist, the appeal of butterflies is created largely by the appearance of life they retain in death. The monochrome paintings are the earliest example of his use of the insects, which were to become one of his most recognisable motifs.
“ For the artist, the appeal of butterflies is created largely by the appearance of life they retain in death. The monochrome paintings are the earliest example of his use of the insects, which were to become one of his most recognisable motifs. „