David Shrigley, The Memory Is The First Thing To Go, 2022

The Memory Is The First Thing To Go (2022) – David Shrigley Linocut

About the Work

The Memory Is The First Thing To Go (2022) is a striking David Shrigley linocut print that presents a poignant reflection on cognitive decline, rendered with his characteristic dark humour. Rendered in a stark, high-contrast monochrome, the composition features a heavily carved black skull-like head against a pristine white background. The heavy, tactile ink coverage emphasises the raw immediacy of the hand-cut medium.

Through this minimalist aesthetic, the physical carving away of the lino block acts as a direct metaphor for the erosion of memory, aligning the physical process with the work's inherent melancholy. The deliberately irregular, shaky typography of the titular text highlights the vulnerability of the human condition, balancing existential dread with dry wit. This juxtaposition transforms a simple observation into a profound meditation on impermanence.

David Shrigley

As a celebrated Turner Prize nominee and the mind behind the acclaimed Fourth Plinth commission in Trafalgar Square, David Shrigley has secured an indelible position in contemporary British art. His works are held in premier institutional collections worldwide, including the Tate and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. This widespread institutional backing underpins his enduring significance within the global secondary art market.

His celebrated practice elevates everyday anxieties and social commentary into highly sought-after graphic editions. By translating his raw, immediate ink drawings into refined print mediums, each David Shrigley print retains the urgent, spontaneous energy of his original notebook pages. This deliberate translation from private sketch to public edition remains a cornerstone of his global appeal.

Screenprint Process

Utilising heavy, hand-torn Somerset paper, the physical printmaking process yields a tactile depth that distinguishes this work from a standard screenprint. While his vibrant screenprint editions often rely on flat colour, this relief print utilises traditional hand-carving to achieve an incredibly rich, matte black ink application. The deliberate absence of a glossy varnish overlay allows the natural texture of the paper fibres to interact with the dense pigment.

This meticulous printmaking technique ensures that every gesture, from the finest carved line to the boldest block of ink, is captured with absolute fidelity. Published by the renowned Schäfer Grafisk Værksted, this David Shrigley limited edition print showcases the successful collaboration between artist and master printer. The resulting piece offers a tactile complexity that mirrors the raw emotional resonance of the artist's original vision.

Collectability

Acquiring works from this period represents a key objective for serious collectors, driven by a sustained interest in the artist's text-driven compositions. The recognisable imagery and universal themes found in his work ensure a strong secondary-market presence across international auction houses. Prints that combine concise philosophical statements with striking visual motifs consistently attract the highest levels of collector interest.

Representing an important text piece from his highly productive 2022 printmaking period, the piece remains a particularly desirable example of Shrigley's printmaking practice. With a modest edition size of just 100, The Memory Is The First Thing To Go is increasingly difficult to source, further elevating its desirability. This scarcity, paired with his continued institutional recognition, secures its position as a compelling acquisition for seasoned collectors.