David Shrigley, Eyes, 2016

Eyes (2016) – David Shrigley Woodcut

About the Work

Eyes (2016) is an arresting David Shrigley woodcut on paper that presents a stark, monochrome grid of hand-carved ocular forms. Utilising dense black ink against a crisp, neutral background, the composition isolates multiple mismatched pupils staring in disparate directions. This deliberate visual disarray creates a compelling tension, showcasing the artist's ability to extract profound meaning from the simplest of graphic configurations.

By stripping away all text, the composition relies entirely on the raw, jittery linework of the carved block to communicate a deep sense of social anxiety. Each pupil, rendered with intentional asymmetry, evokes the unsettling sensation of being watched while simultaneously failing to find a clear point of focus. This work brilliantly translates the silent paranoia of modern existence into a deceptively simple, primal motif.

David Shrigley

Nominated for the Turner Prize in 2013, David Shrigley has secured a formidable position within contemporary British art through his wry observations on the human condition. His celebrated public commissions, notably the Fourth Plinth sculpture in Trafalgar Square and his prominent inclusions in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, have cemented his reputation worldwide. Today, his work is held in prestigious public institutions, including the Tate and the British Council.

Known primarily for his spontaneous ink drawings, the artist's transition into the realm of fine art publishing has allowed collectors to engage with his satirical vision on a grander scale. Each David Shrigley print acts as a capsule of his signature deadpan humour, translating raw graphic immediacy into highly disciplined, beautifully executed editions. Through these works, his ephemeral notebook pages are elevated into enduring, institutionally recognised masterpieces.

Screenprint Process

Utilizing a dense, relief-printing technique rather than a traditional screenprint, this work showcases the unique tactile qualities of woodcut on Somerset paper. The heavy paper stock absorbs the rich, oil-based ink, creating a distinct physical depth and a slightly raised texture that screenprinting cannot replicate. The grain of the wood block remains subtly visible, lending a raw, artisanal quality to the stark black lines.

While a David Shrigley limited edition print is often associated with the flat, vibrant colours of screenprinting, his collaborations with elite print studios like Schäfer Grafisk Værksted reveal a deep appreciation for classical techniques. This particular woodcut printmaking process captures the direct, physical force of the artist's hand, preserving the microscopic imperfections of the carved block. The resulting impression feels remarkably intimate, bridging the gap between mass-produced graphics and hand-pulled fine art.

Collectability

This work has generated significant collector interest due to its striking departure from the artist's text-based compositions, focusing instead on his highly recognisable, graphic eye motif. Because the image relies solely on visual metaphor, it holds a universal, cross-cultural appeal that resonates strongly on the secondary market. The absence of text highlights the strength of Shrigley's raw draftsmanship, making it a sophisticated choice for serious collectors.

Representing a highly sought-after release from his celebrated 2016 institutional period, when his monumental Fourth Plinth commission captured global attention, the piece remains a particularly desirable example of his graphic output. Published in an exceptionally small edition of just 20, the extreme scarcity of Eyes ensures its enduring appeal among those seeking his most exclusive printed works.