Vivacom Art Hall Oborishte 5 will host one of the most influential series in contemporary art – The Empresses by the legendary British artist Damien Hirst. The exhibition will showcase the artist’s innovative works, centered on beauty, power, and transformation. It will be open to visitors from October 8 to October 25, 2025. The audience will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the distinctive visual world of one of the most significant artists of our time. 

The Empresses paintings are a breathtaking spectacle of colors and textures, created with thousands of butterfly wings arranged in intricate kaleidoscopic patterns, printed with laminated Giclée on aluminum composite, and richly finished with screen-printed red glitter – a material that adds texture, depth, and brilliance. The exhibition features five striking prints inspired by real and mythological historical figures – each presented through Hirst’s dynamic color palette and the spot painting technique that has become his signature. They are named after five highly influential female rulers: Wu Zetian, Nur Jahan, Theodora, Suiko, and Taytu Betul. 

“It is an exceptional honor for us to present Damien Hirst’s The Empresses in Sofia. This exhibition is the result of dedicated efforts to provide Bulgarian audiences with access to world-class contemporary art,” says Denitsa Guergova, Art Director of Vivacom Art Hall Oborishte 5. 

For the first time during the exhibition, on October 17 at 5:00 PM, art lovers will have the chance to attend a special event – a public lecture introducing Damien Hirst’s market. Denitsa Guergova will speak about his artistic journey, innovative approaches, influence on the art market, the history of his most expensive works, as well as his record-breaking auctions. Participants will also be able to view the exhibition privately, guided by her. 

Damien Hirst (b. 1965, Bristol) is among the most recognizable and provocative contemporary artists. He rose to prominence in the 1990s as a leading figure of the Young British Artists (YBA) movement and in 1995 won the prestigious Turner Prize. His most famous works include a shark preserved in formaldehyde, a diamond-encrusted skull, and several series featuring butterflies as symbols of life, death, and faith. His works are part of collections at MoMA – New York, Tate – London, and dozens of leading museums and galleries worldwide. Hirst blends science, religion, and philosophy with visual power, often questioning the boundaries between life and art. He explores the value of objects and the art market system while boldly experimenting with new technologies and media. 

The project is presented and funded by Vivacom Art Hall Oborishte 5 and its Art Director as part of a mission to cultivate art appreciation in Bulgaria and the region. It is supported by major sponsors and partners including Sopharma, Moto Phoe, Christie’s Unique Estate, the British Embassy, the British-Bulgarian Business Association, Nova TV and Chateau Copsa – all committed to the mission of bringing global art to Bulgaria. The series The Empresses, along with iconic works by Hirst – including his renowned skull imagery, kaleidoscopic butterflies, and spot paintings – will be available for purchase by collectors and art lovers at the gallery. 

Additional Information: 

  • Period: October 8–25, 2025 
  • Venue: Vivacom Art Hall Oborishte 5 
  • Working Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Admission: Tickets for the exhibition and lecture available on-site; children and students – free entry 

The Five Empresses – Concept and Composition 

● H10-1 – Wu Zetian: The only female emperor in Chinese history (624–705). The work uses a hexagonal structure – a form associated with harmony, happiness, and balance in Chinese culture. Six-pointed stars of wings evoke strength, order, and ascension. 

● H10-2 – Nur Jahan: Wife and co-ruler of the Mughal Empire (1577–1645), renowned for her architectural legacy. The composition resembles a fine mosaic with oriental symmetry – inspired by the tomb of her parents in Agra, often seen as a precursor to the Taj Mahal. 

● H10-3 – Theodora: Byzantine Empress (497–548), reformer and spiritual leader. The only asymmetrical work in the series – with chaotic motion and freely distributed forms reminiscent of the female symbol, conveying strong individuality. 

● H10-4 – Suiko: The first official Empress of Japan (554–628). A symmetrical composition of concentric circles – a reference to the Buddhist mandala and the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. 

● H10-5 – Taytu Betul: Influential Ethiopian ruler (c. 1851–1918), who led resistance against colonialism. The spiral structure resembles the movement of an army, radiating strength, determination, and historical depth.