A New Chapter in David Shrigley's Unmistakable Visual Language
David Shrigley, one of Britain's most beloved contemporary artists, is back with a new limited edition screenprint that’s already turning heads. Titled "I AM VERY BEAUTIFUL", this bold and humorous work encapsulates everything fans have come to love about Shrigley - wit, irreverence, and a striking visual simplicity that belies deeper psychological undertones.
Released as a 25-colour screenprint with a varnish overlay, printed on Somerset Tub Sized 410gsm paper, this signed edition of 125 prints is an essential acquisition for collectors of Shrigley's work and contemporary art enthusiasts alike. Measuring 56 x 76 cm, each piece is signed, dated, and numbered on the back by David Shrigley himself.
First Impressions: A Bright Yellow Frog With a Sharp Tongue
The artwork features a bold, cartoon-like yellow frog with deep black eyes and a wide, simplistic mouth. It sits with stoic poise on a lively green lily pad, its form outlined with purpose and surrounded by a sea of white space that enhances its visual punch.
In typical Shrigley fashion, the text transforms the image from a charming frog into a psychological and conceptual statement piece. Above the amphibian, in bold blue paint, we read:
"I AM VERY BEAUTIFUL"
And just beside it, aligned mid-body and slightly right:
"BUT I AM ALSO OBLIGED TO TELL YOU I AM POISONOUS"
The juxtaposition is brilliant. The result? A piece that is as absurdly funny as it is unnervingly honest—inviting laughter and reflection in equal measure.
Who Is David Shrigley?
David Shrigley, born in 1968 in Macclesfield and raised in Leicester, is a multidisciplinary artist best known for his instantly recognisable drawings. His work, often accompanied by handwritten text, uses humour and apparent childlike naivety to explore deeper issues - existential angst, societal norms, mental health, identity, and the absurdity of modern life.
A graduate of the Glasgow School of Art, Shrigley rose to international prominence through a prolific body of work including drawings, prints, sculptures, animations, and public art. He was nominated for the Turner Prize in 2013 and is an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to visual arts.
Shrigley’s artistic voice is unique - at once anarchic and sensitive, biting and compassionate.
The Art of Contradiction: Beauty and Warning
What Does "I AM VERY BEAUTIFUL" Really Mean?
Shrigley’s use of text and image has always been more than just an artistic quirk, it’s a tool for deeper engagement. In "I AM VERY BEAUTIFUL", the frog becomes a mouthpiece for a paradoxical human truth.
On one level, the statement is comedic. Frogs, especially stylised yellow ones, are not conventionally beautiful in the traditional aesthetic sense. Shrigley plays with this absurdity, asking us to reconsider what beauty even means. Is it confidence that makes something beautiful? Is it irony? Is beauty in the eye of the beholder, or the tongue of the poisonous frog?
Duality in Identity: Beauty vs. Danger
Then comes the twist:
"BUT I AM ALSO OBLIGED TO TELL YOU I AM POISONOUS"
This line flips the narrative on its head. The frog, a creature that is outwardly endearing, reveals its hidden danger. It introduces themes of deception, survival, and moral obligation. The frog isn’t threatening you; it’s warning you. It is honest. It is, perhaps, a metaphor for people or situations that appear desirable but are toxic beneath the surface.
This artwork cleverly balances vulnerability and power—asserting beauty while simultaneously admitting danger. It may be a cautionary tale about trusting appearances or an allegory for authenticity in a superficial world.
Technique & Printmaking: The Craft Behind the Concept
This isn't just another Shrigley drawing, it is a 25-colour hand-pulled screenprint, one of the most ambitious and layered techniques in printmaking. Each colour must be aligned and laid down individually, creating a vibrant, multi-dimensional finish. The addition of a varnish overlay adds a tactile gloss that enhances the vividness of the colours and gives the print a high-end feel.
The work is printed on Somerset Tub Sized 410gsm paper, a heavyweight, textured fine art paper favoured by leading printmakers for its quality and durability. This choice not only reflects the premium nature of the edition but ensures the print's longevity.
For collectors, this level of craftsmanship is significant. It demonstrates Shrigley's commitment to the process and provides assurance that this piece is as enduring as it is expressive.
The Power of Language in Shrigley's Art
Handwritten Truths
Shrigley's words, always rendered in capital letters and imperfect paint strokes, feel direct and human. There's no pretension—just communication. In a world oversaturated with filtered realities and curated imagery, Shrigley's unapologetically raw style is both a relief and a rebellion.
In this piece, the humour comes from the seriousness with which the frog delivers its message. There's no punchline, only truth stated plainly, as if the frog were bound by some ethical clause in its amphibious DNA.
This approach is what makes Shrigley’s work resonate across generations: he says the things we think but rarely express. His art offers permission to be imperfect, honest, weird, and real.
Why This Edition Matters for Collectors
David Shrigley's limited edition prints have become highly collectible not only for their humour and originality but for their accessibility. While his sculptures and installations may reside in museums or high-profile collections, his prints allow fans and new collectors alike to own a piece of his practice.
With only 125 editions, "I AM VERY BEAUTIFUL" is both exclusive and significant. Each print is:
- Signed, dated, and numbered on the reverse - ensuring authenticity
- Produced using fine art materials and traditional printmaking processes
- A classic example of Shrigley’s surreal wit and minimalist aesthetic
- Likely to appreciate in value, given his rising profile and loyal fanbase
Collectors should act quickly, as his editions often sell out fast and climb in value on the secondary market.
Interpretations: More Than Just a Frog
Psychological Layers
"I AM VERY BEAUTIFUL" may appear simple, but its psychological depth is undeniable. It can be read as:
- A commentary on narcissism vs. self-awareness
- A metaphor for hidden toxicity in seemingly attractive people or situations
- A satirical reflection on social media culture, where beauty is presented alongside emotional disclaimers
- A nod to the animal kingdom, where colour is often a signal for danger
By anthropomorphising the frog, Shrigley creates a mirror in which the audience sees their own contradictions and insecurities.
Social Commentary
In today’s image-driven world, the message "I AM VERY BEAUTIFUL" feels like a rallying cry or a confession. It can even be read as a feminist or identity-driven statement, challenging what it means to present oneself in the world while holding inner complexity.
The poison warning might reference the emotional labour of constantly explaining oneself or the burden of being misunderstood. In this way, Shrigley's frog becomes a cultural symbol—a messenger of the messiness of being human.
Shrigley’s Broader Cultural Impact Beyond the Gallery Walls
David Shrigley’s work has crossed boundaries into fashion, music, literature, and public installations. His designs have graced album covers for artists like Blur and Franz Ferdinand, while his Really Good sculpture, a giant thumbs-up, was installed in London’s Trafalgar Square as part of the Fourth Plinth series.
His books, mugs, tea towels, and prints bring his humour into everyday life, blurring the line between high art and accessible design. He is one of the rare artists who manages to be both critical and commercial; celebrated by critics and adored by the public.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need This Shrigley Print
"I AM VERY BEAUTIFUL" is classic David Shrigley: funny, smart, provocative, and visually iconic. It’s a conversation starter, a thought-provoker, and a collector's gem.
With a limited edition of just 125 prints, this new release is more than a piece of wall art -it’s a cultural statement and a masterfully executed fine art print. Whether you're new to collecting or already a devoted Shrigley enthusiast, this is a print that deserves a place in your collection.
Interested in Collecting?
This edition is available from artmarket.co.uk for a limited period subject to availability.
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Explore more rare and sought after limited edition David Shrigley artworks and discover why his quirky, intelligent take on the world continues to resonate with audiences globally. Art that makes you laugh, think, and look twice; that’s the David Shrigley experience.