David Shrigley, Untitled (I Must Rest Now), 2019

Untitled (I Must Rest Now) (2019) – David Shrigley Screenprint

About the Work

Untitled (I Must Rest Now) (2019) is a compelling David Shrigley screenprint that immediately captures the viewer with its deadpan simplicity and graphic economy. Featuring a splayed, minimalist black animal figure lying completely defeated on its front, the composition stands in sharp contrast to the stark, heavy white paper. Bold, hand-rendered block letters spell out Untitled (I Must Rest Now) above the creature, anchoring the visual narrative in his trademark aesthetic.

Through this deliberate simplification, the work operates as a humorous yet poignant metaphor for contemporary burnout and psychological exhaustion. By rendering the animal in such an extreme state of collapse, the artist transforms a basic physical posture into a profound expression of existential fatigue. This juxtaposition of a child-like drawing with a deeply relatable sentiment illustrates the unique brand of absurdity that defines his celebrated oeuvre.

David Shrigley

Nominated for the Turner Prize in 2013, the British artist has secured a formidable position in contemporary art through his satirisation of everyday anxieties. His public installations, including the celebrated Fourth Plinth commission in Trafalgar Square, and regular appearances at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition have cemented his cultural significance. Today, his works are held in prestigious public institutions worldwide, from the Tate in London to the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

While initially celebrated for his ephemeral drawings and notebooks, the translation of these immediate thoughts into graphic editions has expanded his reach. Each David Shrigley print preserves the raw, immediate energy of his original ink-on-paper sketches while elevating the presentation to a monumental scale. This transition from sketch to finished graphic work allows the subtle nuances of his line work to command gallery walls.

Screenprint Process

Released as a highly sought-after edition of 125, the production of this graphic work demonstrates a meticulous approach to fine-art publishing. Printed on heavy Somerset Tub Sized 410gsm paper, the application of rich black ink utilises a high-density screenprinting process to achieve an exceptionally flat, velvet-like finish. The substantial weight of the paper provides a tactile quality that elevates the minimalist composition into a physical, gallery-grade object.

Collaborating with the renowned London-based print studio Jealous Gallery, the artist ensures that the fluid spontaneity of his hand-drawn line remains perfectly intact. This technical precision ensures that each David Shrigley limited edition print conveys the exact weight, bleeding, and minor imperfections of the original ink marker. Consequently, the printmaking process becomes an extension of the artistic gesture rather than a mere reproduction.

Collectability

Keen collector interest in his graphic editions continues to rise, driven by the universal appeal of his text-and-image configurations. Acquiring pieces that feature his most recognisable imagery is widely prioritised by both established and emerging contemporary art collectors. The enduring market demand for his graphic works reflects their seamless integration of fine-art prestige and accessible social commentary.

Representing an exceptional animal motif from his highly active 2019 publishing period, the piece remains a particularly desirable example of his graphic output. Given the modest release size, examples from this specific series are increasingly tightly held within private collections. This scarcity, combined with continued collector interest in his animal-themed works, positions the piece as a cornerstone of his mid-career printmaking market.