David Shrigley, I'm Special, 2017

I'm Special (2017) – David Shrigley Linocut

About the Work

I'm Special (2017) is a striking David Shrigley screenprint era work that utilises the raw, tactile medium of a linocut to present a poignant yet humorous commentary on identity. The monochrome composition features a crude, hand-carved depiction of an awkward, four-legged creature standing beneath the bold, uppercase declaration of the title. Rendered in stark black ink against the heavy texture of Somerset paper, the minimalist aesthetic highlights the artist's signature use of stark negative space.

This creature, with its mismatched limbs and wide-eyed stare, perfectly embodies the tender vulnerability and quiet anxiety of the human condition. By pairing this fragile figure with an assertive, self-affirming statement, the work explores the fine line between genuine self-worth and desperate self-delusion. It is this combination of existential dread and deadpan British humour that elevates the simple graphic into a profound social observation.

David Shrigley

Renowned for his satirical takes on the mundane aspects of contemporary life, the celebrated British artist has secured a formidable position within the international art market. His prestigious career includes a Turner Prize nomination, the highly publicised Fourth Plinth commission in London's Trafalgar Square, and regular inclusion in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. Today, his works are held in the permanent collections of major global institutions, including Tate and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

While his practice spans sculpture, animation, and painting, it is within the realm of graphic editions that his distinctive voice finds its most democratic expression. This particular David Shrigley print exemplifies how the artist translates the immediacy of his spontaneous line drawings into permanent, highly collectible editions. The translation of raw ink onto paper preserves the intimate, diaristic quality that has endeared him to generations of international collectors.

Screenprint Process

Published in collaboration with Copenhagen's renowned Schäfer Grafisk Værksted, this edition demonstrates the meticulous attention to material detail that characterises the artist's collaborative printmaking. The choice of a linocut process allows for a thick, tactile application of black ink, resulting in rich, velvety surfaces that contrast beautifully with the heavy 300gsm Somerset paper. This manual relief printing technique yields a distinct texture and edge definition that differs from a traditional screenprint while maintaining the graphic clarity of the original drawing.

The physical impression of the hand-carved block into the paper fibres captures the physical spontaneity of the artist's hand with remarkable fidelity. Each impression in this David Shrigley limited edition print was carefully hand-pulled to ensure the depth and consistency of the black pigment. This deliberate method of reproduction elevates the satirical imagery, transforming a quick, humorous sketch into a beautifully realised physical object.

Collectability

Works featuring the artist's iconic, anthropomorphic beasts consistently command high levels of collector interest on the secondary market. These charming yet melancholic creatures serve as highly recognisable imagery that represents the very core of his artistic identity. Consequently, works that balance text and character design remain the most sought-after formats for both established and emerging collectors.

Representing a highly desirable animal motif from his active 2017 printmaking period, the piece remains a particularly sought-after example of his graphic output. Released in a modest edition of 100, I'm Special represents a far scarcer opportunity than many of his larger commercial editions. This combination of a low run, distinctive character art, and his signature text ensures the work retains a strong secondary-market presence.