The Dam Will Not Build Itself (2023) – David Shrigley Screenprint

About the Work

The Dam Will Not Build Itself (2023) is a striking David Shrigley screenprint that pairs the artist's signature deadpan humour with a vivid, multilayered composition. The artwork depicts a solitary, slightly bewildered beaver perched atop a chaotic pile of logs, set against a saturated backdrop of rich earthy tones and vibrant primary colours. This visual tension highlights the comic gravity of the animal's industrious yet seemingly overwhelming task.

Through the lens of Absurdity, the composition transforms a natural biological instinct into a humorous metaphor for modern existential dread and reluctant labour. By rendering the animal with wide, anxious eyes, Shrigley invites viewers to reflect on their own self-imposed obligations and daily grinds. The hand-scrawled title text dominates the upper register of the print, serving as a mock-heroic reminder of life's relentless demands.

David Shrigley

Nominated for the Turner Prize in 2013, David Shrigley has secured an enduring position in the landscape of contemporary British art. His public commissions, including the celebrated Fourth Plinth sculpture in Trafalgar Square and his regular inclusion in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, have cemented his reputation globally. His works are held in prestigious public collections worldwide, such as the Tate and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

While best known for his immediate ink drawings, the transition of his spontaneous line work into graphic editions has expanded his practice to a wider audience. Each David Shrigley print translates the immediacy of his sketchbook entries into monumental, high-impact statements. Through this process, his quick-witted observations gain a refined permanence without losing their raw, democratic appeal.

Screenprint Process

Utilising a complex screenprinting technique, the production of The Dam Will Not Build Itself employs a meticulous 20 colour screenprint process that brings exceptional depth to the flat graphic planes. The application of a subtle varnish overlay further enhances the saturation of the pigment, giving the final surface an engaging, tactile quality. This demanding method is executed on heavyweight Somerset satin tub sized 410gsm paper, a choice that ensures the longevity and material presence of the edition.

Published by Counter Editions, the edition captures the fluid energy of the artist's original drawing through precise stencil alignment and ink density. Acquiring a David Shrigley limited edition print of this technical calibre showcases the successful intersection of industrial printmaking and singular artistic expression. The collaboration between the artist and the print studio allows for a brilliant translation of the hand-drawn line into a pristine multiples format.

Collectability

Characterised by his highly recognisable imagery, works featuring zoomorphic characters command significant collector interest on the secondary market. This particular composition taps into a celebrated lineage of animal-themed editions that have become central to his iconography. The combination of relatable text and striking graphics ensures the piece remains highly sought after by international patrons.

Representing a celebrated animal motif from his 2023 printmaking period, the piece remains a particularly desirable example of Shrigley's printmaking practice. With a strictly restricted edition size of 125, the print is rarely available, fueling continued collector interest globally. The rapid sell-out of this run upon its initial release highlights the sustained appeal of the artist's large-scale colour screenprints.

Artwork Specifications

• Artist: David Shrigley (British, b. 1968)
• Title: The Dam Will Not Build Itself
• Medium: 20 colour screenprint with a varnish overlay on Somerset satin tub sized 410gsm
• Dimensions: 75 x 56 cm
• Edition: Edition of 125
• Year: 2023
• Publisher: Jealous Gallery
• Markings: Signed, numbered and dated on the back
• Provenance: Sold with COA issued by Jealous Gallery