Unique Estates – Partner of Damien Hirst’s Exhibition in Sofia

In line with our mission to support significant cultural events and promote appreciation for contemporary art, Unique Estates | Christie’s International Real Estate is proud to be a partner of the new exhibition at Vivacom Art Hall Oborishte 5 – The Empresses by world-renowned British artist Damien Hirst.

From 8 to 25 October 2025, the Sofia audience will have the chance to immerse itself in Hirst’s distinctive visual universe – an artist who has been provoking, captivating, and expanding the boundaries of art for more than three decades.

The The Empresses series presents five breathtaking prints – a true spectacle of color and texture. Each work is created using thousands of butterfly wings arranged in intricate kaleidoscopic patterns. The pieces are printed with laminated Giclée on aluminum composite and richly finished with silkscreened red glitter, adding depth and brilliance.

Inspired by five legendary historical rulers, the artworks are named after:

Wu Zetian – the only female emperor in Chinese history, portrayed through a hexagonal structure symbolizing harmony and balance.
Nur Jahan – co-ruler of the Mughal Empire, her composition resembles a delicate oriental mosaic.
Theodora – the Byzantine empress and reformer, the only asymmetrical work in the series, conveying strong individuality.
Suiko – Japan’s first empress, depicted with concentric circles inspired by the Buddhist mandala and the cycles of life and rebirth.
Taytu Betul – the influential Ethiopian ruler, shown through a dynamic spiral that radiates power and determination.

Encounter One of the World’s Most Influential Contemporary Artists

Damien Hirst is among the most recognizable and provocative figures in contemporary art. He emerged in the 1990s as a leading voice of the Young British Artists (YBA) movement and won the prestigious Turner Prize in 1995. His most iconic works include the shark in formaldehyde, a diamond-encrusted skull, and numerous series featuring butterflies as symbols of life, death, and faith. His creations are part of major collections, including MoMA – New York, Tate – London, and many other renowned museums worldwide.

Hirst blends science, religion, and philosophy with striking visual power, often questioning the boundaries between life and art while boldly experimenting with new technologies and media.

Special Opportunities for Collectors

On 17 October 2025 at 5:00 p.m., the gallery will host a public lecture dedicated to Hirst’s creative journey and his influence on the global art market. Denitsa Gergova, Art Director of Vivacom Art Hall Oborishte 5, will share insights into the artist’s record-breaking auctions and guide guests through a private viewing of the exhibition.

The The Empresses series, along with other emblematic works by Hirst – including his famous skulls, kaleidoscopic butterflies, and spot paintings – will be available for purchase on site, offering a rare opportunity for collectors and art enthusiasts. As a long-standing partner of Vivacom Art Hall Oborishte 5, Unique Estates | Christie’s International Real Estate proudly supports the presentation of The Empresses in Bulgaria – an exhibition that brings Sofia’s audience face-to-face with world-class contemporary art and proves that culture and aesthetics know no boundaries.