7 Things to Know About David Shrigley

Known for his artistic satire, David Shrigley uses drawing as a humorous and cathartic medium. Using an effective technique, he deals in all simplicity with human and social absurdities. But what are the specifics and secrets of such an artist? Here are 7 things you need to know about the artist David Shrigley!

1. David Shrigley has an atypical background

Shrigley has a rather atypical educational background.  He first studied art and design at Leicester Polytechnic in England. Then, he graduated in environmental art at the Glasgow School of Fine Arts. It’s a double training which surely contributed to the creation of this “UFO” of the art world.

2. David Shrigley is a protean artist

Even if David Shrigley’s specialty remains drawing, this artist is characterized by his plurality. Indeed, his work includes painting, sculpture, installations, photography, animation and even music! The satirical spirit of Shrigley has allowed him to realize a particularly funny project, his song “Hey You”. This song, performed in duet with Regis Laugier, is recorded on the album Play Something Awful. Even if this song makes you smile, it is far from being melodious!

3. Shrig Shop, the store of David Shrigley and Nicolai Wallner

David Shrigley also has his own store, co-founded with gallery owner Nicolai Wallner. You’ll find objects as unlikely as they are artistic, from posters, to decoration, to clothes. For the biggest fans, it’s even an opportunity to find limited editions. Curious to go there? You can discover the Shrig Shop in Copenhagen!

4. He has exhibited in some very prestigious places

Shrigley’s work travels the world and can boast of having been exhibited in the most prestigious museums. In 2015, his installation “Life Model”, for example, was presented at Art Basel Unlimited. Some of his works are also exhibited at Museum of Modern Art, the Royal Academy of Arts and the Tate.

5. David Shrigley also makes hilarious and indescribable cartoons

We’re not going to lie, David Shrigley’s animations are not ideal for children… But one thing is for sure: they are amazing! In New Friends, a humanized square finds itself caught up in a group of living circles. They force him to use an electric saw to round off his cornered edges. In Laundry, a man walks into a laundromat and puts his horse in the washing machine. Not to mention the likes of Headless Drummer, in which a headless drummer performs, and Lightswitch, in which a finger flips a switch for 1 minute and 30 seconds. In The door, a little boy of about ten wishes to return to his mother’s womb. And while he is living out his fantasy in the middle of his sleep, he finds his father already there. What a way to question certain social norms and laugh at our human weaknesses!

6. David Shrigley collaborated with the Sketch Gallery

Known for its unusual setting, the Sketch Gallery in London attracts hundreds of visitors every day. In 2014, David Shrigley contributed to this gallery with his exhibition of 200 drawings.

7. He talks very little about his work

David Shrigley may be unusual, but he likes efficiency. That’s why he doesn’t talk much about his work. On the contrary, he considers his work to be totally clear and not really worth explaining. In his eyes, the textual and visual content is enough to express itself.

With David Shrigley, there are no half measures

Simplistic lines, short and absurd sentences, grating humor, Shrigley is considered by some as a hilarious genius. While others define him as the devil child of contemporary art. Sometimes glorified, sometimes criticized, he never leaves anyone indifferent! And you, what do you think of this prolific yet unclassifiable artist?