I Cannot Live Without You (2019) – David Shrigley Screenprint

About the Work

I Cannot Live Without You (2019) is a striking David Shrigley screenprint that showcases the artist's deadpan humour and sharp social commentary. The work features a stark, central figure accompanied by the artist's signature handwritten text. The directness of the phrase 'I Cannot Live Without You' showcases Shrigley’s ability to elevate everyday language into a statement that is simultaneously humorous, deeply uncomfortable, and emotionally resonant. By pairing this desperate plea with a figure that appears both attached and restrained, Shrigley transforms a simple declaration into an unsettling reflection on human relationships and the often-suffocating nature of emotional dependency.

David Shrigley

David Shrigley is a prominent British contemporary artist widely recognised for his mordant wit and ability to expose the absurdities of modern life. A Turner Prize nominee, Shrigley has been featured in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and has received significant recognition, including the high-profile Fourth Plinth commission in Trafalgar Square. His work is represented in major museum collections globally, confirming his status as a central figure in the contemporary art world. This David Shrigley print exemplifies his unique ability to transform everyday language into a memorable visual statement while translating the immediacy of his drawings into a refined editioned format.

Screenprint Process

This David Shrigley screenprint utilises a sophisticated 10-colour process to translate the raw immediacy of the artist's original drawing into a clean, graphic aesthetic. The addition of a varnish overlay enhances the surface depth, ensuring this David Shrigley limited edition print rewards close inspection on heavy Somerset paper. The technical quality reflects a commitment to producing editions that serve as enduring, high-fidelity objects of contemporary art.

Collectability

David Shrigley screenprints remain highly sought-after among international collectors, with demand supported by the artist's enduring popularity and strong institutional recognition. Pieces featuring Shrigley's most recognisable imagery are increasingly prioritised by collectors looking to acquire important examples of his printed work. Limited to an edition of 125, I Cannot Live Without You benefits from a level of scarcity that has helped sustain long-term interest in David Shrigley's editions. Combining humour, anxiety and social observation within a single composition, the work remains a particularly desirable example of the artist's celebrated printmaking practice.

Artwork Specifications

• Artist: David Shrigley (British, b. 1968)
• Title: I Cannot Live Without You
• Medium: 10 colour screenprint with varnish overlay on Somerset tub sized 410gsm paper
• Dimensions: 75 x 55 cm
• Edition: Edition of 125
• Year: 2019
• Publisher: Jealous Gallery
• Markings: Signed, numbered and dated on the back
• Provenance: Sold with COA issued by Jealous Gallery