David Shrigley, Fist Pump, 2014

Fist Pump (2014) – David Shrigley Screenprint

About the Work

Fist Pump (2014) is a striking David Shrigley etching on paper that masterfully captures the raw, immediate energy of a singular human gesture. Rendered in dense, velvety black ink against a crisp, heavy-gauge cream background, the composition depicts a simplified forearm and hand clenched in a universal sign of triumph. The stark contrast between the monochrome line work and the textured paper accentuates the expressive economy of the image.

Imbued with an infectious sense of optimism, the upward thrust of the hand translates everyday determination into a monument of small-scale victory. By isolating the gesture from any specific narrative context, the composition invites viewers to project their own personal triumphs onto the bold, shaky contours. The deliberate wobbliness of the etched line strips away any pretension, transforming a simple graphic into a potent symbol of resilience.

David Shrigley

Celebrated for his mordant wit and deceptively crude drawing style, the Glasgow School of Art alumnus has secured a formidable position in contemporary art history. Nominated for the Turner Prize in 2013 and later selected for the prestigious Fourth Plinth commission in Trafalgar Square, his practice spans public sculpture, painting, and graphic editions. His works are held in premier public collections worldwide, including Tate and the British Council.

Translating his characteristically immediate ink drawings into the refined medium of printmaking allows his quick-fire observations to take on a permanent, tactile presence. Each carefully produced David Shrigley print acts as a capsule of modern existentialism, bridging the gap between high art and popular culture. Collectors are drawn to how these editions preserve the spontaneous energy of his sketchbook pages.

Screenprint Process

Utilising heavy Somerset paper as the physical foundation, this etching processes ink deep into the paper fibres to create a distinctive, embossed texture that screenprinting cannot replicate. The rich, hand-wiped black ink sits beautifully against the velvety surface of the heavy cotton paper, giving the minimalist graphic line a surprising physical depth. This tactile contrast elevates the simple composition into a highly crafted art object.

Working in collaboration with the master printmakers at Schäfer Grafik, the artist ensures that the biting of the acid bath captures every nuance of his original drawing. While a David Shrigley limited edition print in his more common screenprint format offers flat, vibrant colour, this intaglio edition provides a more intimate, artisanal connection to the artist's hand. Collectors value how the print studio has preserved the rich plate tone and delicate imperfections of the original copper plate.

Collectability

Strong secondary-market presence and continued collector interest surround Fist Pump due to its universal relatability and iconic visual punch. Unlike his highly text-heavy works, this purely visual gesture communicates immediately across linguistic boundaries, making it highly sought after. Works featuring such direct, instantly recognisable imagery consistently lead demand within his graphic oeuvre.

Representing a highly desirable work from his celebrated 2014 institutional period, the piece remains a particularly sought-after example of the artist's printmaking practice. Because it originates from the crucial years surrounding his major retrospective at the Hayward Gallery and his Trafalgar Square commission, this edition occupies a vital place in his career trajectory. Its scarce availability in the open market further drives appeal among seasoned contemporary art collectors.