DAVID SHRIGLEY TATTOOS BROOKLYNITES

It’s become something of a tradition for David Shrigley fans to let the absurdist artist draw his stick-figure designs and one-word mantras onto their bodies at openings and fairs. Some of them even go out afterward and make the temporary tattoos permanent. Now, to promote his forthcoming collection of drawings, illustrations, photography and sculpture, What the Hell Are You Doing: The Essential David Shrigley (W.W. Norton & Co.), out in October, the artist is penning Sharpie tattoos on guests during a reading and book-signing at the WORD bookstore in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Sept. 22, 2011.

For those who want the more lasting souvenir, East River Tattoo will be on hand to make the tattoos permanent, for a price depending on size and color. Shrigley’s dealer, Anton Kern Gallery, is also hosting a raffle during the event to cover the cost of a tattoo for one winner.

But ink at your own risk. Shrigley himself doesn’t have any tattoos. He’s said in the past, “I think they’re horrible.”

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