I'm Sorry I Can't Promise It Won't Happen Again (2021) – David Shrigley Screenprint

About the Work

I'm Sorry I Can't Promise It Won't Happen Again (2021) is a striking David Shrigley screenprint that masterfully pairs deadpan text with a vibrant, multi-coloured composition. Set against a vivid, saturated background, the work features a central, hand-drawn figure rendered in thick black ink alongside the artist's signature block capitals. The juxtaposition of intense colour saturation and crude line work creates an immediate, arresting visual tension.

Through this visual framing, the work explores a deep sense of human vulnerability, capturing the anxiety of inevitable failure through the lens of a highly qualified apology. By presenting a statement of regret that refuses to guarantee future good behaviour, the composition highlights the fragile, often absurd nature of contemporary interpersonal relationships. It is a brilliant example of how the artist translates existential unease into a universally relatable visual shorthand.

David Shrigley

Nominated for the Turner Prize in 2013, David Shrigley has secured a celebrated position within the global contemporary art landscape. His public commissions, including the acclaimed Fourth Plinth sculpture Really Good in Trafalgar Square, demonstrate a unique ability to engage wide audiences with deceptively simple motifs. His works are held in prestigious international institutions, including the Tate in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Central to his practice is the translation of immediate, ink-on-paper drawings into highly polished graphic editions. This transition allows each David Shrigley print to retain the raw, energetic quality of his original notebook sketches while operating on a grander, more formal scale. The resulting editions bridge the gap between casual observation and gallery-bound fine art.

Screenprint Process

Released in a strictly limited run of 125, this work showcases the meticulous production standards of modern fine art printmaking. The composition utilises eight distinct hand-separated colour layers, resulting in an exceptionally rich and velvety surface depth on the heavy Somerset satin tub-sized 410gsm paper. A tactile varnish overlay is applied precisely to the central figure, accentuating the contrast between the matte paper and the glossy, hand-rendered ink lines.

This sophisticated screenprint method, executed in collaboration with the renowned Jealous Gallery, perfectly replicates the fluid motion of the artist's original ink brush. Collectors highly value this technical precision, which ensures that every David Shrigley limited edition print preserves the delicate imperfections of his handwriting. Through this deliberate process, the final artwork functions as both a high-fidelity multiple and a testament to contemporary British printmaking.

Collectability

Works featuring the artist's iconic, text-based apologies enjoy sustained collector interest globally due to their immediate cultural resonance. The combination of dark British humour and unmistakable graphic execution makes these editions particularly sought after by international collectors. This enduring appeal is reinforced by the artist's robust presence in the global secondary market.

Representing an important text piece from his highly productive 2021 publishing year, I'm Sorry I Can't Promise It Won't Happen Again remains a desirable example of his conceptual wit. The modest edition size of 125 ensures that this particular release remains scarce compared to his larger poster editions. For collectors seeking a definitive statement of the artist's voice, this screenprint offers an ideal intersection of graphic power and institutional significance.

Artwork Specifications

• Artist: David Shrigley (British, b. 1968)
• Title: I'm Sorry I Can't Promise It Won't Happen Again
• Medium: 8 colour screenprint with a varnish overlay on Somerset satin tub sized 410gsm
• Dimensions: 75 x 56 cm
• Edition: Edition of 125
• Year: 2021
• Markings: Signed, numbered and dated on the back