David Shrigley, Gold Disc, 2012

Gold Disc (2012) – David Shrigley Screenprint

About the Work

Gold Disc (2012) is a striking David Shrigley screenprint that subverts the traditional symbol of commercial musical success into a deadpan visual joke. Rendered in a saturated, flat yellow ink that mimics gold, the central circular motif is bordered by radiating black lines that resemble erratic, hand-drawn sound waves or celebratory rays. Set against a stark, unprimed background, this composition highlights the artist's signature economy of line and colour.

By scrawling the literal description "Gold Disc" directly onto the yellow sphere, the work highlights a profound sense of absurdity and satire directed at cultural accolades. The deliberate imperfection of the radiating ink lines contrasts sharply with the pristine, industrial perfection of actual recording industry awards. This tension elevates the piece from a simple caricature to a poignant commentary on the arbitrary nature of validation.

David Shrigley

Nominated for the Turner Prize in 2013, David Shrigley has secured a celebrated position in contemporary British art through his mordant wit and deceptively simple graphic style. His celebrated public commissions, including the giant bronze thumb for the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square and his regular participation in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, have cemented his status as a cultural icon. Today, his work is held in major institutional collections worldwide, including Tate and the British Council.

The translation of rapid, spontaneous ink drawings into high-quality graphic editions represents a core tenet of his practice. By elevating casual doodles into formal gallery contexts, each David Shrigley print democratises contemporary art while maintaining a highly sophisticated conceptual edge. This duality ensures his work remains deeply relatable yet intellectually rigorous.

Screenprint Process

Hand-printed on heavy 410gsm Somerset wove paper, this edition utilises highly pigmented inks to achieve its rich, matte surface quality. The dense black outline and vibrant yellow core are applied in distinct, layered colour passes, producing a physical depth that digital printing cannot replicate. This tactile paper choice provides a substantial, archival foundation that enhances the saturation of the hand-pulled colours.

The meticulous screenprinting process captures every minor tremor of the artist's pen, preserving the raw energy of the original drawing. Published by Counter Editions, this David Shrigley limited edition print demonstrates a masterful control of ink deposit to keep the hand-drawn elements feeling fresh and immediate. The result is a work that feels remarkably personal, capturing the direct presence of the artist through the printmaker's craft.

Collectability

Works from this particular era enjoy robust collector interest due to their minimalist compositions and instantly recognisable aesthetic. As a consequence, pieces that employ bold graphic shapes alongside brief text elements are highly sought after in the international art market. This widespread demand is supported by a strong secondary-market presence, making these editions highly desirable acquisitions.

Representing a key work from his celebrated 2012 institutional period, Gold Disc remains a particularly desirable example of his printmaking practice. With a modest edition size of just 100, securing examples of this scarce run has become increasingly difficult for serious collectors. Consequently, this screenprint continues to attract significant attention at auction and private sales alike.