The lithograph’s stark black text on a white background is visually simple yet profoundly engaging. The absence of any illustrative content shifts the entire focus onto the words themselves, compelling the viewer to grapple with the statement’s starkness. Shrigley’s use of a straightforward, almost rudimentary font enhances the rawness of the message, making it appear as if scrawled in a moment of vulnerability or frustration.

At its core, the lithograph is a commentary on the insecurities and self-doubt that plague many artists. By proclaiming “My Artwork Is Terrible,” Shrigley addresses the fear of inadequacy that often accompanies creative endeavors. This line challenges the viewer to consider the subjective nature of artistic value—what one person deems terrible, another might find brilliant. It questions the criteria by which art is judged and who gets to make those judgments.

The second part of the text, “and I Am a Very Bad Person,” adds a layer of existential self-critique, linking artistic merit to personal worth. This hyperbolic statement exaggerates the notion that an artist’s work is an extension of their moral character, a concept that Shrigley both mocks and explores. The absurdity of equating bad art with bad character highlights the often irrational and emotional responses people have to art and artists.

In typical Shrigley fashion, the lithograph is simultaneously humorous and thought-provoking. It captures the artist’s talent for using minimalistic design and straightforward language to evoke complex ideas. By embracing and exaggerating his flaws, Shrigley invites viewers to laugh, reflect, and perhaps see a bit of their own self-doubt mirrored in his words. “My Artwork Is Terrible and I Am a Very Bad Person” stands as a testament to Shrigley’s ability to turn self-criticism into a profound artistic statement, blending vulnerability with wit to explore deeper truths about creativity and self-worth.