David Shrigley, I've Got Your Lipstick, 2021

I've Got Your Lipstick (2021) – David Shrigley Screenprint

About the Work

I've Got Your Lipstick (2021) is a striking David Shrigley screenprint that pairs a stark, hand-drawn aesthetic with a vibrant, block-colour background. The composition features a crudely rendered tube of crimson lipstick set against an intense, saturated yellow backdrop, instantly drawing the viewer's eye to the central motif. This bold use of colour serves as a powerful stage for the artist's signature dark humour and raw linework.

By rendering the everyday cosmetic item in his trademark unvarnished style, the artist taps into a rich vein of domestic tension and playful absurdity. The handwritten text, reading like a playful threat or an intimate confession, transforms the simple object into a symbol of missing boundaries. This juxtaposition of bright visual energy and ambiguous psychological narrative invites viewers to project their own stories onto the frame.

David Shrigley

Nominated for the Turner Prize in 2013, the artist has long been celebrated for his dry wit and satirical commentary on contemporary life. From his acclaimed Fourth Plinth commission in Trafalgar Square to his recurring presence at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, his output spans diverse media with global institutional recognition. Major museum collections worldwide frequently showcase his creations, cementing his position as one of Great Britain's most influential contemporary figures.

Translating his spontaneous, ink-on-paper drawings into the graphic realm requires a meticulous approach to maintain the urgent, immediate quality of the original line. This translation is brilliantly realised in each David Shrigley print, where the tactile qualities of ink on paper elevate simple doodles into monumental graphic statements. The resulting editions preserve the raw, democratic appeal that defines his broader artistic practice.

Screenprint Process

Created in close collaboration with a renowned print studio, the production of this edition highlights the meticulous standard of contemporary screenprinting. This particular work utilises rich, highly pigmented inks applied in multiple layers to Somerset tub sized paper, ensuring a deep and matte surface finish. A subtle varnish overlay protects the intense colours while preserving the hand-drawn quality of the original composition.

Working with the master printers at Jealous Gallery, the studio successfully captures the fluid, immediate energy of the artist's pen. Each hand-pulled David Shrigley limited edition print showcases an exceptional level of ink density that digital reproduction simply cannot replicate. Through this rigorous screenprint technique, the final piece retains the physical presence and texture of a freshly painted canvas.

Collectability

Works featuring text and everyday objects enjoy a strong secondary-market presence, appealing to both seasoned collectors and those new to the contemporary market. This sustained collector interest is driven by the immediate recognisability of the artist's style and the universal appeal of his subject matter. Collectors appreciate how these deceptively simple observations command attention when displayed in institutional and private settings alike.

Representing an important text piece from his celebrated 2021 output, the work remains a highly desirable example of the artist's graphic portfolio. With an edition size of just 125, I've Got Your Lipstick has seen continued collector interest due to its limited availability and strong visual impact. This restricted distribution ensures its enduring appeal among those seeking to acquire a defining piece of modern British satire.