Life is Fantastic

About This Work

David Shrigley's "Life is Fantastic" from 2016 captures the essence of his signature style, merging simplistic visual narratives with complex emotional undertones. As a print, this piece exemplifies Shrigley's adeptness in navigating various mediums, with prints being one of several outlets where his keen sense of irony and humorous commentary are given free rein. Known for his deliberately naive line drawings paired with succinct, often enigmatic text, Shrigley employs an aesthetic that might initially read as childlike, yet resonates deeply upon closer reflection. In "Life is Fantastic," Shrigley continues to explore themes of absurdity and existential contemplation. His work often mirrors a raw, unfiltered dialogue, akin to notes jotted hurriedly in the margins of life. These elements reflect a broader narrative of contemporary existence, where simplicity confronts complexity, and humor thinly veils more profound insights. This piece captures these dynamics through its visual and textual components, conveying layers of meaning that evoke both laughter and introspection. Born in 1968 in Macclesfield, Shrigley has carved out a distinctive niche within the art world, appealing to both critical acclaim and popular appreciation. His background in environmental art from the Glasgow School of Art informs his multidisciplinary approach, allowing him to move seamlessly between drawing, sculpture, and animation. The distinctiveness of his voice, one that embraces both deadpan comedy and melancholic reflection, has remained a constant throughout his diverse body of work. Pieces like "Life is Fantastic" serve as a testament to Shrigley's unique ability to encapsulate the human condition with an economy of line and text. Through works such as "Really Good," his monumental thumbs-up sculpture for Trafalgar Square, and the interactive "Life Model," Shrigley consistently engages the public in dialogues that challenge conventional interpretations of art and life. "Life is Fantastic," while more contained than these public installations, carries the same spirit of engagement and commentary. It is a quintessential piece of Shrigley's oeuvre, embodying his flair for presenting the ordinary with an extraordinary twist. Within the Zebra One Gallery collection, "Life is Fantastic" exemplifies the gallery’s commitment to showcasing artists who are both provocative and accessible, offering works that stimulate both conversation and contemplation.

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