David Shrigley, See Me As I Really Am, 2022

See Me As I Really Am (2022) – David Shrigley Linocut

About the Work

See Me As I Really Am (2022) is a striking David Shrigley linocut that delivers a stark, minimalist composition rendered in bold black ink on heavy Somerset paper. The composition depicts a multi-legged, insect-like creature radiating outward from a central void, set against a pristine white background. This stark monochrome aesthetic contrasts sharply with the vibrant palettes often seen in his screenprint editions, creating a commanding graphic presence.

By pairing the raw, trembling form of the spider-like creature with the handwritten plea of the title, the work operates in an emotional register of acute vulnerability. The central figure appears both defensive and exposed, inviting the viewer to look past its alien, multi-limbed exterior to find a universal human desire for genuine connection. This tension between the unsettling imagery and the raw emotional honesty exemplifies the artist's unique ability to find profound pathos in the absurd.

David Shrigley

Nominated for the Turner Prize in 2013, David Shrigley has established himself as one of the most significant and celebrated chroniclers of contemporary life. His public commissions, including the celebrated Really Good sculpture for the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, have cemented his position within the British artistic canon. His works are held in prestigious public institutions worldwide, including Tate and the British Council.

His practice translates the raw, immediate energy of his daily drawing routine into highly refined graphic works. Each David Shrigley print captures this signature aesthetic, preserving the deliberate imperfections and immediate charm of his original ink drawings. By utilizing traditional printmaking techniques, the artist elevates his existential musings into enduring editions that resonate deeply with international audiences.

Screenprint Process

Employing a rigorous approach to manual printmaking, the artist utilizes the relief-cut method of linocut alongside his celebrated screenprint practice to achieve an incredibly rich, tactile ink density. This particular edition is pressed onto Somerset 300g paper, a traditional archival stock that perfectly absorbs the heavy black ink without compromising the sharpness of the hand-carved borders. Unlike a standard screenprint, the linocut process creates a subtle, embossed texture where the carved block meets the paper sheet.

This tactile translation perfectly captures the spontaneity of his original hand-drawn lines, preserving every minute wobble and carve mark. Printed in Denmark by the esteemed workshop Schäfer Grafisk Værksted, this David Shrigley limited edition print demonstrates the rigorous craftsmanship required to translate his dark humour into a physical art object. The resulting edition possesses a distinct material weight and presence that sets it apart from digital reproductions.

Collectability

As demand for the artist's graphic output continues to grow, works featuring his iconic text-and-image combinations consistently attract strong collector interest on the secondary market. His instantly recognisable imagery, characterised by a dark yet accessible wit, has made this limited edition highly sought after by international collectors. This sustained market presence reflects his enduring relevance and the broad appeal of his unique artistic voice.

Representing a rare animal motif from his celebrated 2022 printmaking period, the piece remains a particularly desirable example of Shrigley's printmaking practice. With an edition size limited to just 100 copies, See Me As I Really Am offers a more intimate and exclusive acquisition opportunity compared to his larger, more common print runs. This combination of a restricted edition size and a poignant visual metaphor ensures its continued appeal among discerning collectors.