David Shrigley, This Is How I Have Chosen, 2014

This Is How I Have Chosen (2014) – David Shrigley Screenprint

About the Work

This Is How I Have Chosen (2014) is a striking David Shrigley lithograph that masterfully pairs his signature monochromatic ink work with a poignant, hand-rendered statement. The composition utilises a stark, off-white background to amplify the raw black ink of the central figure, a characteristically eccentric subject standing beside the title text. This minimalist colour scheme focuses the viewer's attention entirely on the interplay between the crude illustration and the surrounding negative space.

By depicting this bizarre, misshapen entity in This Is How I Have Chosen, the work explores the existential absurdity of self-determination. The deliberate awkwardness of the figure highlights a sense of vulnerable resolution, turning a simple declaration of choice into a humorous yet profound commentary on human agency. This tension between heavy philosophical inquiry and childlike execution defines the piece's enduring charm.

David Shrigley

Nominated for the prestigious Turner Prize in 2013, David Shrigley has established himself as one of the most prominent figures in contemporary British art. His public commissions, notably the Fourth Plinth sculpture in Trafalgar Square, have secured his position within major institutional collections worldwide. Additionally, his frequent participation in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition has cemented his status with both institutional curators and private collectors.

The artist's celebrated practice translates his immediate, spontaneous ink drawings into highly graphic editions that retain the urgency of his original sketchbook pages. Acquiring a David Shrigley print offers enthusiasts a direct line to his celebrated wit and distinctive visual vocabulary. This particular lithograph exemplifies how his loose, unfiltered line work translates seamlessly into the formal print medium, which he has explored through both lithography and screenprints.

Screenprint Process

Published in collaboration with the renowned Stephen Friedman Gallery, this edition represents a meticulous transfer of the artist's original ink-on-paper drawing onto heavy fine art paper. While Shrigley frequently utilises screenprint techniques for his multi-coloured editions, this lithograph relies on a rich, dense black ink that mimics the fluid qualities of acrylic paint. The choice of premium Somerset paper provides a subtle texture that catches the light and emphasises the stark contrast of the ink.

The traditional lithographic press captures every nuance of the artist's hand, preserving the tiny imperfections and varying line weights of the original sketch. This commitment to printmaking fidelity ensures that each David Shrigley limited edition print conveys the same tactile intimacy as a unique drawing. The production, which aligns with his rigorous standards for both lithography and screenprinting, was carefully overseen by master printers to guarantee that the rich saturation of the black ink remains vibrant over time.

Collectability

Works featuring his signature combination of existential text and eccentric characters consistently drive strong collector interest on the secondary market. The recognisable imagery of this 2014 release makes it a highly sought-after piece for those looking to capture the core of the artist's mid-career aesthetic. Its graphic simplicity ensures it sits comfortably alongside other major editions in any contemporary collection.

Representing an important text piece from his highly active 2014 publishing period, the work remains a particularly desirable example of his graphic oeuvre. With a restricted edition size of just 100, finding this specific print in circulation has become increasingly difficult for global collectors. The continued appeal of this early publication highlights its secure position within the artist's broader printmaking legacy.