Depictions
HENI is delighted to release Depictions by Damien Hirst, a collection of colourful, playful and highly detailed paintings which centre on the artist’s much-loved butterfly motif.
The artworks are paint, oil ink and paper on canvas. The works come in five sizes, 98 x 98 cm, 128.5 x 128.5 cm, 159 x 159 cm, 195 x 195 cm and 221 x 221 cm (framed). Each painting is titled and hand-signed by Damien Hirst on the verso.
The paintings are available by application until 17:00 BST on 30 September 2026.
Appias Sabina
Damien Hirst
DP1
98 x 98 cm (framed)
Paint, oil ink, paper on canvas
Inachis Io
Damien Hirst
DP44
159 x 159 cm (framed)
Paint, oil ink, paper on canvas
Callicore A.
Damien Hirst
DP80
221 x 221 cm (framed)
Paint, oil ink, paper on canvas
Cethosia B.
Damien Hirst
DP66
221 x 221 cm (framed)
Paint, oil ink, paper on canvas
Delias S.
Damien Hirst
DP15
98 x 98 cm (framed)
Paint, oil ink, paper on canvas
Callicore P.
Damien Hirst
DP35
159 x 159 cm (framed)
Paint, oil ink, paper on canvas
About Depictions
In Depictions Damien Hirst continues his decades-long exploration of the butterfly motif. These newly released works feature an enlarged butterfly against a single-toned backdrop of butterfly wings which are arranged into intricate patterns. Each painting takes its title from the Latin name of the butterfly species at its centre.
Since the beginning of his career, Hirst has explored the versatility of the butterfly motif within his work, an image he describes as a “universal trigger” for themes such as love, beauty, mortality and religion. The Depictions paintings reference this history of the butterfly within Hirst’s work by combining his scientific, full-bodied presentation of the butterfly with his later practice of organising wings into kaleidoscopic patterns.
"The 'Depictions' started after I had been making gothic patterns from butterfly wings and then more contemporary colourful patterns. The 'Kaleidoscope' paintings, and like a lot of my stuff, it’s a Victorian thing, as they started making tea trays with patterns of butterflies under glass. I took it a few steps further and thought could I make images of butterflies on bright colours using only wings of butterflies and make some of them bigger than tea trays and they look amazing. I love how painting is often about the looking close and looking from a distance to see the artist's hand somehow revealed, and these defy this. This series and other recent butterfly paintings I’ve experimented with using oil colours and inks and been making high resolution images of butterfly wings, this has resulted in making new vegan paintings! As the world turns and evolves, the art evolves and keeps evolving. Whatever next? I’m back to the 'River Paintings'." – Damien Hirst
About Damien Hirst
Damien Hirst is a British artist whose name has become synonymous with contemporary art. Since his generative work as a student at Goldsmiths School of Art, Hirst's production has been boundary−redefining in nature. Working primarily in installation, painting, sculpture and drawing, Hirst explores the complex relationships between art, beauty, religion, science, life and death. He constantly returns to his foundational interests and themes, which he reworks to develop an innovative visual language.
Visit HENI Gallery
The Depictions works are on display at HENI Gallery until 30 September 2026. Admission to the gallery is free.
HENI Gallery
Exhibition dates: 17–30 September 2026
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10am–6pm
Address: 6-10 Lexington St, London W1F 0LB, United Kingdom
Damien Hirst merch
Exclusive books and merchandise inspired by the works of Damien Hirst are available on the HENI shop. A selection of books and merchandise is also available for purchase at HENI Gallery.
Timeline
The Depictions are available for a limited time only. If you wish to purchase a work, please click on the 'Apply to Buy' button below. If you have any questions, please see the FAQs below or contact customer support.
1
DROP OPENS
The application window for this drop is open from 17–30 September 2026.
2
ALLOCATION
After the application window has closed, we will start allocation of the works.
3
DISTRIBUTION
HENI endeavours to dispatch all the artworks as soon as possible after allocation. The Client Liaison team will be in touch to discuss shipping logistics.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have any questions, you can explore our FAQs here. If you want to get in touch, please contact customer care or ask a moderator on Discord.
HENI releases Depictions by Damien Hirst, a collection of colourful, playful and highly detailed paintings which centre on the artist’s much-loved butterfly motif. The paintings are available by application exclusively on HENI Primary from 17 September until 17:00 BST on 30 September 2026.
The artworks are paint, oil ink and paper on canvas. The works come in five sizes, 98 x 98 cm, 128.5 x 128.5 cm, 159 x 159 cm, 195 x 195 cm and 221 x 221 cm (framed). Each painting is titled and hand-signed by Damien Hirst on the verso.
In Depictions Damien Hirst continues his decades-long exploration of the butterfly motif. These newly released works feature an enlarged butterfly against a single-toned backdrop of butterfly wings which are arranged into intricate patterns. Each painting takes its title from the Latin name of the butterfly species at its centre.
Since the beginning of his career, Hirst has explored the versatility of the butterfly motif within his work, an image he describes as a “universal trigger” for themes such as love, beauty, mortality and religion. The Depictions paintings reference this history of the butterfly within Hirst’s work by combining his scientific, full-bodied presentation of the butterfly with his later practice of organising wings into kaleidoscopic patterns.
The Depictions works are on display at HENI Gallery until 30th September 2026. Admission to the gallery is free.
You can complete your application for Depictions on a computer or mobile device, after which you will receive a confirmation email detailing each of the artworks you applied for.
If you want to get in touch, please contact Customer Care or ask a moderator on Discord.
Because Depictions is an application-based release, HENI tries to ensure allocations are broad and fair (rather than on a ‘first come, first served’ basis) as such each application will be reviewed individually after which a Business Development Manager will be in touch to discuss further.
If you wish to apply for a specific artwork, please select ‘I have a preference’ during the application. You can submit multiple preferred artworks in case your first choice is not available. If none of your choices are available, we may offer you the opportunity to purchase a different artwork. HENI cannot guarantee that you will be offered the opportunity to buy every artwork you apply for.
Depictions are priced in US Dollars and after the allocation has taken place, successful applicants will be notified by email, and a Business Development Manager will be in touch to complete the order.
We may perform KYC (‘Know Your Customer’) checks to verify your identity digitally. Your dedicated Business Development Manager contact will explain further.
Depictions do not come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Depictions are on display at the HENI Gallery for the duration of the drop. Admission to the gallery is free, with no appointment required.
HENI Gallery
6–10 Lexington St, London W1F 0LB,
United Kingdom
Open Monday to Friday, from 10am–6pm.
To ensure efficient delivery of our artwork, HENI ships exclusively through our trusted courier partners. Please discuss shipping and delivery with your Business Development Manager. HENI endeavours to dispatch all the artworks as soon as possible after the allocation.
Depictions are shipped from the UK and can be shipped internationally. The prices indicated are exclusive of VAT, delivery charges, insurance or any customs or import duties or local taxes that may be payable. For orders shipping to the UK, Standard Rate VAT will be applied and collected at the time of payment.
If your shipping address is outside the UK, you will be responsible for any customs or import duties and local taxes that may be payable. Where such duties or taxes are payable in respect to any works ordered, HENI does not collect and pay them on your behalf. You are responsible for paying any amounts due directly to the applicable customs authority. HENI is not able to offer any guidance on customs or import duties or local taxes, and we recommend that you contact your local customs office for details.