With his dryly comic drawings, absurdist installations and sharp observations, British artist David Shrigley (1968) offers a humorous yet critical perspective on life and the art world. Behind the seemingly simple forms lies a serious undercurrent in which Shrigley questions the rules of society. What the Hell Was I Thinking? invites visitors into his mind: The exhibition reveals how he reflects on earlier works, re-stages ideas, and embraces doubt. It opens up artistic practice not as lofty genius, but as a process full of experimentation.
For the Kunsthal exhibition, Shrigley is presenting and remaking absurd artworks ranging from a 3m tall animatronic life model to horseshoes made of actual meteorite. He will be creating fifty new drawings in his distinctive style, where animals, people and everyday situations take on an unexpected twist. A collection of inflatables will be gathered for the first time, including Shrigley’s iconic work ‘Swan Thing’, which sees the elegant bird transform into a light-hearted, cartoonish figure. Another highlight is 'Fluff War', an arena where the audience can observe tufts of fluff battling within the space. The title sounds combative, yet what unfolds is a playful, chaotic spectacle in which competition loses all meaning.
Classic Shrigley: works that surprise, make you smile, and prompt reflection all at once. The exhibition has been developed in close collaboration with the artist and with Stephen Friedman Gallery, London.
