David Shrigley

With his deadpan drawings and absurdist installations, British artist David Shrigley (1968) offers a humorous and critical perspective on life and the art world. In the exhibition What the Hell Was I Thinking?, Shrigley turns that gaze explicitly on himself for the first time. The show reveals how he reflects on earlier works, revisits ideas, and makes space for doubt. For Shrigley, being an artist is not about lofty genius, but a process full of experimentation, reflection, and playfulness.

In What the Hell Was I Thinking?, Shrigley presents fifty drawings of animals, people, and everyday situations, specially created for the exhibition. For the first time, a collection of his inflatable sculptures is displayed together, including the iconic Swan Thing, in which the elegant swan transforms into a cartoonish figure. He also created a three-meter-high, mechanically moving nude model and horseshoes forged from meteorite. The exhibition further highlights Shrigley’s unique relationship with his audience. A monumental wall displays photos of fans who have had his drawings tattooed on their skin – a testament to the cult status his work has achieved far beyond the art world.

Cover image: David Shrigley, I Am Very Beautiful, 2025