David Shrigley, I Wrote A Book But No One Read It, 2023

I Wrote A Book But No One Read It (2023) – David Shrigley Linocut

About the Work

I Wrote A Book But No One Read It (2023) is a striking David Shrigley screenprint that subverts expectations through its tactile hand-printed linocut medium, capturing the raw essence of graphic execution. Executed in a stark monochrome palette, the composition shuns vibrant colour to focus on a solitary, closed book rendered in heavy black ink against an off-white, textured background. This dramatic contrast emphasises the physical form of the object, drawing the eye directly to the hand-carved block lettering emblazoned across its cover.

Through this stark arrangement, the artwork channels a profound sense of melancholy disguised as deadpan humour, highlighting the universal fear of creative insignificance. The closed cover of the illustrated volume acts as a physical barrier to the thoughts inside, symbolising ideas that remain forever locked away from the world. It is this tension between the desire to communicate and the inevitability of silence that defines the conceptual core of this specific release.

David Shrigley

Nominated for the Turner Prize in 2013 and widely celebrated for his monumental Fourth Plinth commission in Trafalgar Square, this British artist has redefined the boundaries of contemporary satire. His distinct artistic voice frequently graces the walls of prestigious institutions globally, including the Royal Academy of Arts and Tate. Such widespread institutional acclaim has cemented his reputation as one of the most culturally significant commentators of his generation.

Translating the raw, immediate energy of his daily drawing practice into screenprinting and relief formats requires a sophisticated understanding of graphic output. Each David Shrigley print acts as a direct extension of his celebrated sketchbook diaries, preserving the deliberate imperfections and human errors of the original pen strokes. This conscious rejection of pristine academic rendering allows the artist to connect immediately and intimately with his audience.

Screenprint Process

Utilising the unique physical resistance of hand-carved lino blocks on heavyweight Somerset paper, I Wrote A Book But No One Read It showcases the artist's engagement with traditional mark-making techniques. The deeply saturated black ink sits proudly on the surface of the sheet, creating a distinct tactile ridge that distinguishes it from standard flat-ink reproductions. Every pull from the block leaves subtle variations in the ink coverage, lending a unique, artisanal weight to this monochrome edition.

Working in collaboration with the master printmakers at Jealous Gallery, the production process meticulously translates the artist's characteristic fluid lines into a structured physical matrix. This collaborative dynamic ensures that each David Shrigley limited edition print retains the immediate, wet-ink vitality of a fresh drawing. The resulting screenprints and hand-printed editions stand as a testament to a studio practice that prioritises craftsmanship alongside conceptual wit.

Collectability

Acquisitions of the artist's text-based editions have surged in recent years, driven by a growing appreciation for his contribution to modern British art history. Collectors actively seek out works featuring his most direct linguistic aphorisms, which synthesise complex existential truths into succinct visual punchlines. This sustained demand underlines the robust position these graphic works occupy in the global secondary market.

Representing an important text piece from his highly anticipated 2023 output, I Wrote A Book But No One Read It remains an exceptionally desirable example of his late-career printmaking practice. Due to the restricted edition size of just 100 hand-signed examples, opportunities to acquire this specific release are increasingly scarce. Consequently, the print continues to attract intense interest from international collectors looking to secure a pivotal moment in his graphic archive.