MAINZ.- In the context of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate’s summer culture program Kunsthalle Mainz is featuring the first comprehensive solo show by Scottish artist David Shrigley (born 1968) in Germany.

The artist, who lives in Glasgow, is known above all for his comic-like drawings; many of them are included in a series of publications but also in artist and postcard books. In addition to the drawings he produces animated films, paintings, prints but also sculptures and objects.

Shrigley’s works are characterized by an informal line and a light design. There is an intrinsically absurd and often black humor to his work, and this serves as a catalyst for addressing a wide variety of topics. In doing so Shrigley moves beyond conventions and tabooed areas and accordingly repeatedly takes the observer into the extensive universe of human nature and human condition, or “conditio humana”. He revolves around this wealth of topics in a manner that is as humorous as it is enigmatic. The comic aspect functions as an independent cosmos that allows the artist to observe things from an exposed, often unfamiliar perspective or to bring to light things that are totally surprising or incredible. Giving the works a perfect outer finish is secondary for him, rather what is more important is that moment when the precision of the idea and the “vision” has been achieved. The artist has an economic and precise approach to his work, but what is lavish in the best sense of the word is the cosmos he opens up to the observer.

Kunsthalle Mainz is showing a selection of David Shrigley’s extensive graphic œuvre and a series of animated films. Moreover, the artist will create an expansive sculptural work of clay on the spot especially for Kunsthalle Mainz.

Numerous publications by David Shrigley are available during the exhibition, not to mention the legendary poker game designed by the artist and a T-shirt as edition designed exclusively for Kunsthalle Mainz.