David Shrigley, Preen Yourself, 2023

Preen Yourself (2023) – David Shrigley Screenprint

About the Work

Preen Yourself (2023) is a vibrant David Shrigley screenprint that pairs the artist's signature deadpan text with a wonderfully eccentric, multi-coloured avian figure. Set against a rich turquoise backdrop, the bird is rendered with bold hand-drawn lines, showcasing plumage detailed in contrasting shades of yellow, pink, and green. The stark juxtaposition of the solid colour field and the raw, expressive brushwork immediately commands attention.

By commanding the viewer to "Preen Yourself" alongside this manic-looking creature, the composition brilliantly captures the absolute absurdity of modern self-care rituals and social vanity. This satirical instruction elevates a simple biological action into a witty critique of human self-obsession. The resulting dialogue between text and imagery exemplifies how the artist exposes the comedy hidden within daily routines.

David Shrigley

Nominated for the Turner Prize in 2013, David Shrigley has secured an enduring legacy within contemporary British art through his celebrated public commissions and institutional exhibitions. His monumental Fourth Plinth commission in Trafalgar Square, Really Good, along with frequent inclusion in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, has cemented his status as a vital cultural commentator. His works reside in prestigious international museum collections, including Tate and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

The translation of raw, rapid-fire ink drawings into highly polished graphic editions is central to his creative practice. This particular David Shrigley print demonstrates how the immediacy of his sketchbook entries can be elevated into a commanding, large-scale gallery presentation without losing any of its original kinetic energy. Collectors highly value this seamless marriage of spontaneous illustration and immaculate production standards.

Screenprint Process

Published in partnership with the acclaimed Jealous Gallery, Preen Yourself represents a masterclass in modern edition printing. This intricate 13 colour screenprint is executed on exceptionally heavy Somerset satin tub sized 410gsm paper, which provides a luxurious, tactile surface that holds the heavy ink deposits beautifully. Multiple passes of rich pigment ensure that each distinct shade remains incredibly flat, dense, and visually arresting.

Collaborating with the master printers at the Jealous studio allows the artist to replicate the exact fluid pressure of his original paint strokes. Every subtle variation in the hand-rendered text and outline is captured with flawless fidelity, giving this David Shrigley limited edition print the vibrant presence of a unique painting. The demanding production process ensures that the intense, saturated background contrasts perfectly with the complex layered details of the bird.

Collectability

Acquirers of contemporary graphic art consistently gravitate towards the artist's animal subjects, which represent some of his most celebrated and enduring motifs. The combination of anthropomorphic humour and bold typography ensures these specific compositions remain highly sought after in the secondary market. Consequently, works featuring these signature elements consistently experience sustained collector interest worldwide.

Representing a prime example of his highly coveted animal motif, this 2023 release from an edition of 125 is a particularly desirable example of Shrigley's contemporary printmaking practice. Due to the modest edition size and the visual appeal of its complex 13-colour palette, opportunities to secure this piece are increasingly limited. Its inclusion in a private collection represents both an aesthetic milestone and a connection to a highly established market.