Metamorphosis Solo: Morpho Helena⤣ SERIES
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Metamorphosis Solo: Morpho Helena

2024
“Metamorphosis Solo: Morpho Helena” explores the colour and motion of this breathtaking example of elegance and beauty. Harris’s study expresses the joy found in the hues, tones, and iridescence of the scales' structural colour.

This is part of a larger artwork. See the full artwork series:

“Metamorphosis Solo - Morpho Helena” is a shimmering exploration of the colour and motion of the Morpho Helena butterfly, a species renowned for its vibrant blue wings and remarkable iridescence. The interactive artwork captures the iridescent beauty and structural complexity of the butterfly's scales, creating a hypnotic effect that transforms viewers' emotions as they engage with the piece. The Morpho Helena, native to the rainforests of Central and South America, is celebrated for its vivid colouration, which is a result of the microscopic scales on its wings reflecting light. Building on the themes of transformation and beauty from his previous works, Harris's latest piece continues his tradition of blending art, nature, and technology, inviting viewers to reflect on the delicate balance between order and chaos.

This specimen has been painstakingly created by hand-painting numerous layers of digital paint on a tablet. With composite digital brushstrokes, both colour and texture have been meticulously applied, resulting in depth and complexity that bring the specimen to life with a hypnotic effect.

The Morpho Helena has been a significant element in Harris's oeuvre, dating back to his very first major artwork, "Flutter." In "Flutter," the Morpho Helena was prominently featured, marking the beginning of Harris's exploration into the digital portrayal of natural phenomena and establishing the butterfly as a recurring symbol in his work.

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Information

Year:

2024

Edition:

Edition of 8 + 2 AP + 2 MP

Materials:

Code, electronics, display, sensors, aluminium

Details:

Dimensions in MM:

757 (W) x 757 (H) x 104 (D) mm, framed

Dimensions in INCHES:

29.8 (W) x 29.8 (H) x 4.1 (D) inches, framed

Dimensions in INCHES:

29.8 (W) x 29.8 (H) x 4.1 (D) inches, framed

Context

The Morpho Helena butterfly has previously been a central motif in Harris’ previous artworks, symbolising transformation, beauty, and the intricate interplay between nature and digital art.

In his recent piece "Spectrum” (2024), the Morpho Helena is the central protagonist in a dynamic, interactive kaleidoscope of butterflies, emphasising perpetual movement and transformation​​. Similarly, in "Metamorphosis: The Solos” (2020), Harris showcases butterflies in exquisite detail, hand-painted and animated to interact with the viewer, thereby bridging the gap between the digital and the natural world​​​​. This new solo artwork of the Morpho Helena extends these themes, offering a larger, more immersive exploration of this beautiful species.

The Morpho Helena has been a significant element in Harris's oeuvre since his first major artwork, "Flutter" (2011) where it was prominently featured. "Flutter" marked the beginning of his exploration into the digital portrayal of natural phenomena, establishing the butterfly as a recurring symbol in his work​​. The portrayal of the Morpho Helena at this new scale intensifies its visual impact and invites deeper reflection on themes of nature, transformation, and the ephemeral beauty captured through digital means.

As always, Harris's meticulous attention to detail and the use of interactive elements engage viewers in a dynamic, participatory experience, highlighting the delicate balance between order and chaos, much like in his previous works​​​​​​. This new addition to his Metamorphosis series continues to showcase his ability to blend art and technology in a captivating manner.

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