I Hate Humans, Polar Bear

About This Work

David Shrigley's print "I Hate Humans, Polar Bear", created in 2022, exemplifies the distinctive artistic voice for which he is celebrated. As a piece of printed work, it falls within a long lineage of Shrigley's oeuvre that combines dry wit and stark visualization. With a career spanning decades, Shrigley, born in Macclesfield in 1968, has carved out a unique niche in the world of contemporary art. His aptitude for blending humor with a touch of melancholy often results in works that are absurd yet thought-provoking, and this piece is a testament to these qualities. "I Hate Humans, Polar Bear" utilises Shrigley's signature style of deliberately crude line drawings coupled with aphoristic text. These elements come together to produce a blunt narrative, one marked by a certain hostility that is softened by its absurdity. The polar bear depicted here resonates with Shrigley's broader body of work—creatures and objects rendered with a generous helping of anthropomorphism, suggesting emotions and existential reflections. The bear’s stark declaration, presented in Shrigley’s scrawling handwriting, conveys a comical yet poignant message that aligns with the artist’s exploration of anxiety and banality, offering viewers an evocative commentary on nature's interaction with humanity. A graduate of Glasgow School of Art, David Shrigley began gaining recognition in the 1990s through his self-published books and comic strips. His approach has always been characterized by its raw and unpolished aesthetic, fostering a unique dialogue between art and viewer. By addressing themes of existential dread and everyday absurdities, Shrigley’s work resonates with a wide audience, often provoking a smile while also prompting deeper contemplation about the human condition. Shrigley's "I Hate Humans, Polar Bear" perfectly fits within the eclectic collection at Zebra One Gallery, which celebrates the vibrant and diverse practices of contemporary art.

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