David Shrigley, Droppings, 2022

Droppings (2022) – David Shrigley Linocut

About the Work

Droppings (2022) is a compelling linocut print that showcases David Shrigley's celebrated ability to find dry humour in the most mundane aspects of existence. Rendered in stark, high-contrast monochrome ink on heavy Somerset paper, the composition features a series of minimalist, abstract shapes representing organic debris. The blank white background isolates these forms, forcing the viewer to confront the literal subject matter with unexpected formal gravity.

By elevating a vulgar, everyday occurrence to the status of a fine art edition, Droppings exemplifies the sense of absurdity that defines the artist's celebrated practice. The deliberately crude, hand-carved edges of the linocut medium mirror the chaotic, unpredictable nature of the subject itself. This tension between meticulous traditional printmaking and lowbrow imagery creates a beautifully jarring experience for the observer.

David Shrigley

As a Turner Prize nominee and recipient of the prestigious Fourth Plinth commission in Trafalgar Square, David Shrigley has secured a unique position in contemporary British art. His celebrated installations, public works, and regular appearances at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition have cemented his reputation globally. Today, his work is held in major public collections worldwide, including Tate and the British Council.

The transition of his quick-witted, spontaneous drawings into permanent graphic editions allows his characteristic line work to reach a broader audience. Owning a David Shrigley print offers collectors direct access to this highly influential visual language. This specific graphic format preserves the raw energy of the original sketch while introducing a refined tactile quality.

Screenprint Process

Published in collaboration with the renowned Schäfer Grafisk Værksted in Copenhagen, this graphic work demonstrates a mastery of traditional relief printmaking techniques. The tactile nature of the hand-printed linocut process deposits a rich, velvety layer of black ink onto the luxurious 300gsm Somerset paper. This artisanal method ensures that each impression carries a distinct depth of colour and texture that flat digital reproductions simply cannot replicate.

While the artist is highly celebrated for his screenprints, this particular venture into relief printing highlights his versatility across different traditional methods. This David Shrigley limited edition print was carefully hand-pressed, preserving the subtle imperfections of the carved linoleum block. Working with the master printers at Schäfer Grafisk Værksted allowed the artist to maintain his characteristic spontaneity within a highly structured, low-run format.

Collectability

Works that utilise Shrigley's signature motifs generate significant collector interest on the secondary market. The depiction of crude or biological themes represents a core pillar of his satirical output, making this release instantly recognisable. As his global institutional presence continues to expand, these highly graphic editions remain incredibly popular with both established and emerging collectors.

Representing a highly sought-after animal motif from his 2022 printmaking period, the piece remains a particularly desirable example of Shrigley's graphic practice. With an edition size of just 100, the scarcity of this run contributes to its ongoing appeal among connoisseurs of contemporary printmaking. The combination of a restricted edition size and a classic humorous subject ensures its lasting relevance within the artist's wider canon.