Ralph Gilhooly – författare

Loves Moods is a beautifully produced catalogue showcasing a captivating new sub-series within Damien Hirst’s butterfly gloss paintings. Featuring all 100 works in the series, none of which have been exhibited publicly, the book offers a visual exploration of colour, emotion and connection.In each painting, two colours blend, meet or collide at the centre of the canvas. These interactions — sometimes harmonious, sometimes jarring — mirror the volatile oscillations of love. The series represents a progressive exploration of Hirst’s iconic butterfly motif, a symbol he has long associated with themes of transformation, life and death.The introductory essay discusses the historical use of butterflies in art and their significance in Hirst’s oeuvre, while also delving into how the Loves Moods paintings reflect on the art of loving, solitude and relationships.