Regeneration forms part of Damien Hirst’s celebrated Butterflies portfolio of 2009, a suite of twelve vibrant etchings — Life, Tribulation, Eternal Rest, Prosperity, Emerge, Regeneration, Renewal, Fate, Reveal, Spirit, Hope, and Providence. Each depicts a single butterfly isolated against a deep black ground, its iridescent wings rendered with exquisite precision through the combined techniques of etching and aquatint.

The butterfly, a central motif in Hirst’s work since the early 1990s, symbolises both the fragility and transcendence of life. In Regeneration, this icon of rebirth glows with radiant colour, embodying the artist’s enduring fascination with beauty, mortality, and transformation.

Published by Other Criteria, Hirst’s own imprint, the Butterflies suite exemplifies his command of printmaking and his ability to merge scientific observation with spiritual metaphor — a theme that continues to define his most sought-after works.

1. The YBA Legacy and Hirst’s Market Leadership

Damien Hirst stands at the forefront of the Young British Artists (YBAs) — the generation that redefined contemporary art in the 1990s through conceptual daring, material innovation, and a rebellious energy that brought British art to international prominence. As the undisputed front man of this movement, Hirst’s work represents not just individual achievement but the legacy of a defining cultural shift. The YBA period is now firmly recognised in art history, and Hirst’s key series — such as Butterflies, Spots, and Skulls — are increasingly viewed as benchmarks of late 20th- and early 21st-century British art.

2. Blue-Chip Stability and Recognisable Iconography

Hirst’s butterfly imagery is among his most iconic, symbolising life, death, and spiritual transformation — universal themes that transcend artistic trends. Works like Regeneration bridge the conceptual power of his major museum installations with the accessibility of limited-edition prints. This direct connection between print and primary market output gives investors confidence in the artwork’s curatorial and commercial significance.

3. Edition Scarcity and Proven Performance

Published by Hirst’s own imprint, Other Criteria, the Butterflies portfolio was limited to an edition of just 45, with 5 artist’s proofs. Early releases (2009–2011) were priced at around £2,000–£3,000; today, strong impressions regularly achieve £7,000–£9,000, while complete portfolios fetch £70,000–£90,000. This represents steady and sustainable growth — around 6–8% annual appreciation — underpinned by consistent collector demand.

4. Long-Term Outlook – Institutional Endorsement and Cultural Longevity

Hirst’s prominence in major museums (Tate, Gagosian, Saatchi, The Broad) and global visibility ensures his market remains robust. As the YBA generation becomes historicised, early works and those reflecting his core motifs — like Regeneration — are expected to strengthen further in both art-historical and financial value. The butterfly series is now seen as one of the most elegant and enduring manifestations of his philosophical themes.

Summary:

Damien Hirst’s Regeneration offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a work that embodies the power and permanence of the YBA era. As the leading figure of that movement and a global art-market brand, Hirst commands exceptional long-term resilience. With its small edition size, strong provenance, and iconic subject, Regeneration represents an ideal balance of aesthetic brilliance and investment-grade security in the blue-chip contemporary sector.