I am very Beautiful

About This Work

David Shrigley's "I am very Beautiful," created in 2025, is a compelling addition to his exploration of the human condition through the medium of prints. Renowned for his distinctively crude line drawings and aphoristic text, Shrigley offers a candid, whimsical examination of beauty in this work. With his trademark blend of dry humor and melancholy, Shrigley lays bare the complex layers of self-perception, identity, and the societal constructs that shape our understanding of beauty. As a printmaker, Shrigley's craft is evident in the deliberate simplicity that characterizes his work. The piece likely features his recognizable shaky lines and cartoon-like figures. Despite—or perhaps because of—this apparent simplicity, his prints resonate with a profound impact, echoing the sentiments of anxiety, absurdity, and existential reflection that have become synonymous with his oeuvre. Such elements might evoke the perception of a doodle or graffiti, deliberately evoking the aesthetics of a playful yet introspective and perhaps even critical commentary on the notions of self-worth and vanity. David Shrigley, born in 1968 in Macclesfield, is one of Britain's most unique voices in contemporary art. Educated at the Glasgow School of Art in environmental art, his range is broad, spanning drawing, sculpture, animation, and printmaking. Shrigley’s significant contributions to the art world include notable commissions like "Really Good," a monumental thumbs-up in Trafalgar Square, which offers a satirical take on optimism, and "Life Model," an interactive installation that subverts traditional life drawing. His characteristic approach blends humor with subtle yet powerful critiques of society and human nature. "I am very Beautiful" fits seamlessly within Shrigley's broader exploration of the everyday absurdity and the intricacies of human emotions. He invites viewers to question the superficiality often inherent in societal constructs, using irony and satire to present a mirror to our own perceptions and insecurities. As with his other works, this print encourages a deeper reflection beneath the surface, challenging us to find sincerity amidst the humor. This work is a testament to Shrigley's enduring impact and a fine representation of his ability to distill complex themes into deceptively simple yet potent visual language. Within the Zebra One Gallery collection, "I am very Beautiful" exemplifies the fusion of humor, critique, and introspection, showcasing the gallery's commitment to presenting art that provokes thought and discussion.

About the Artist

David John Shrigley (born 17 September 1968) is a British visual artist. He lived and worked in Glasgow, Scotland for 27 years before moving to Brighton, England in 2015. Shrigley first came to prominence in the 1990s for his distinct line drawings, which often deal with witty, surreal and darkly h...

Zebra One Gallery

Contemporary Art • Hampstead, London

Established 1976 • 50 years of excellence in contemporary art • Professional authentication and provenance research