David Shrigley, Please Shut Up, 2018

Please Shut Up (2018) – David Shrigley Screenprint

About the Work

Please Shut Up (2022) is a striking David Shrigley screenprint that masterfully balances aggressive graphic design with a dry, comedic sensibility. Rendered in thirteen distinct ink layers, the composition features a starkly defined megaphone blasting vibrant, contrasting soundwaves against a deep, saturated backdrop. The tactile depth of the heavy ink layers gives this visual noise a physical presence on the paper, demanding the viewer's immediate attention.

This graphic representation captures a sense of modern frustration, translating the overwhelming din of contemporary life into a singular, desperate demand for quiet. By juxtaposing the polite request of the word "please" with the blunt aggression of the command, the artist exposes the delicate, often absurd boundaries of social decorum. The tension between the bold typography and the vibrating sonic lines perfectly reflects the exasperation felt when negotiating public spaces.

David Shrigley

Celebrated for his biting wit and deceptively simple aesthetic, the artist has secured a prominent place in the contemporary art landscape. His career is highlighted by prestigious milestones, including a nomination for the Turner Prize in 2013 and his highly publicised Fourth Plinth commission, Really Good, in London's Trafalgar Square. Today, his works are held in premier public institutions worldwide, from Tate in London to the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

His practice translates the immediacy of spontaneous line drawings into carefully executed graphic works that retain their original raw energy. Acquiring a David Shrigley print offers collectors an intimate encounter with this signature style, where casual ink strokes are elevated through high-end production. The juxtaposition of quick, intuitive mark-making with meticulous gallery presentation defines his enduring appeal.

Screenprint Process

Published in an exclusive limited run, this graphic edition showcases the technical precision of modern printmaking. The complex production utilises thirteen separate colour layers, resulting in a rich, opaque surface texture on premium Somerset Tub Sized Satin paper. A final spot varnish overlay is applied to the central motif, creating a subtle contrast in sheen that catches the light and highlights the bold forms.

Produced in collaboration with the renowned Jealous Gallery in London, the printmaking process faithfully reproduces the urgent fluidity of the artist's hand. Each pull of the squeegee preserves the slight imperfections and textured edges of the original design, transforming the drawing into a refined physical object. Collectors highly prize this dynamic synergy of high-end print studio craftsmanship and spontaneous expression, making each David Shrigley limited edition print a standout technical achievement.

Collectability

Enthusiasts and seasoned collectors consistently gravitate toward works that feature his most direct and recognisable text-based motifs. The immediate graphic impact of these pieces ensures they remain highly sought after on the secondary market. This sustained collector interest reflects the universal appeal of his unique perspective on human communication.

Representing a major colour work from his highly regarded 2022 printmaking period, the piece remains a particularly desirable example of the artist's graphic output. With an edition size of just 125, the scarcity of Please Shut Up contributes to its strong secondary-market presence. The combination of a relatively low run and high visual impact positions this screenprint as an enduringly sought-after acquisition.