Artwork Description
The Empresses- H10-5 Taytu Betul Pop Street Artwork Limited Edition Giclee & Giltter Screenprint Print on Aluminum Sheet by Urban Graffiti Modern Artist Damien Hirst.
2022 Signed & Numbered In Verso on Label Limited Edition of 2814 Artwork Size 39.37x39.37 Giclee & Giltter Screenprint Print on Aluminum Sheet
The Essence of Empress Taytu Betul in Modern Street Pop Art
Taytu Betul is a captivating composition filled with a thrilling sense of velocity and motion, inspired by the formidable Ethiopian Empress. When she married Emperor Menelik in 1889, Taytu Betul (c. 1851-1918) became the Empress of Ethiopia, known for her active leadership and unwavering opposition to imperialism. She staunchly refused negotiations that would lead to the loss of Ethiopian territory. Taytu Betul also established Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital city, today. The artwork's focal point is the striking pairs of red and black wings that form the foundation of the composition - a spiral that originates at the center and expands outward, seemingly beyond the picture plane. The energy and movement generated in the piece reflect the enthusiasm and commitment of Taytu Betul, who led her army to protect their borders. Complementing the central wings, an array of differently sized, colored, and patterned wings create a secondary layer that accentuates the main action. Taytu Betul distinguishes itself in the series with its spirited attempt to portray butterflies in their authentic, living state. The composition evokes an aerial perspective, enabling viewers to gaze down upon the swarm of butterflies as their momentum is captured in the spiral and the dynamic unfolding of the artwork. The art world continually evolves, creating compelling narratives through bold expressions and innovative mediums. One such narrative is the "Empresses- H10-5 Taytu Betul," an extraordinary Street Pop Art and Graffiti Artwork by the renowned British artist Damien Hirst. Born in 1965 in Bristol, England, Hirst has become one of the most prominent figures in contemporary art, known for his provocative and often controversial pieces. His work on aluminum sheets using giclee and glitter screenprint techniques brings a shimmering vitality to the story of Empress Taytu Betul, a formidable figure in Ethiopian history.
Empress Taytu Betul: A Historical Figure Reimagined
Taytu Betul, born around 1851 and passing in 1918, was more than just royalty; she was a visionary and a warrior. As the wife of Emperor Menelik II, she ascended to become the Empress of Ethiopia in 1889. Her tenure was marked by a fierce resistance to colonial encroachment and a strategic understanding that contributed to establishing Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's vibrant capital. Hirst's artwork, limited to 2814 pieces and signed and numbered in verso on the label, celebrates her legacy in a format that transcends traditional portraiture. The size of each piece, 39.37x39.37 inches, provides a vast landscape for the visual story to unfold. The Empresses- H10-5 Taytu Betul is a testament to Hirst's ability to encapsulate the essence of a historical figure within the realms of Street Pop Art and Graffiti Artwork. The choice of medium is significant; the aluminum sheet lends a contemporary edge, while the giclee and glitter screenprint add texture and depth. In this piece, the central motif of red and black wings is not random; it symbolizes the power and grace of the empress, with the spiral starting from the center representing her influence radiating outward. This artwork is more than a static image; it's an active experience. The depiction of the wings in various sizes, colors, and patterns is reminiscent of the diversity of life and the complexity of Taytu Betul's reign. The artwork thrives on the illusion of motion, suggesting the empress's undying spirit and her relentless pursuit of Ethiopian sovereignty. Damien Hirst's work captures the viewer's imagination, inviting them to explore the layers and the historical depth embedded within the vibrant spirals of wings. The Empresses- H10-5 Taytu Betul by Damien Hirst is a sophisticated collision of history and modern art. It brings forth the spirit of a bygone era through the lens of contemporary Street Pop Art and Graffiti Artwork. This limited edition piece serves as an aesthetic artifact and a historical dialogue, connecting the past with the present and projecting the legacy of a remarkable figure through the universal language of art.
