David Shrigley, Vote (Set of 8 - Horizontal), 2020

Vote (Set of 8 - Horizontal) (2020) – David Shrigley Print

About the Work

Vote (Set of 8 - Horizontal) (2020) is a compelling set of eight David Shrigley screenprints that utilises hand-rendered typography alongside block-colour backdrops. Comprising eight individual horizontal compositions, this portfolio employs a striking array of saturated primary tones, acidic yellows, and deep greens contrasted against bold black lettering. The visual simplicity of these works belies their graphic impact, commanding attention through urgent, poster-like layouts.

The compositions within Vote (Set of 8 - Horizontal) channel existential anxiety through absurd choices, capturing the collective unease of decision-making in the modern political landscape. By presenting conflicting imperatives like 'Vote For No One' or 'Vote For Me' in frantic, imperfect handwriting, the compositions manifest the psychological paralysis associated with contemporary social systems. The raw immediacy of each statement elevates the suite from simple satire to a poignant mirror of democratic fatigue.

David Shrigley

Recognised for his dry wit and deceptively crude drawings, David Shrigley has become one of the most celebrated figures in contemporary British art. A Turner Prize nominee in 2013, he is widely celebrated for his celebrated Fourth Plinth commission in Trafalgar Square and his prominent contributions to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. His works are held in prestigious international public collections, including the Tate in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Transitioning from his daily drawing practice, the artist translates the immediacy of his ink sketches into graphic formats. This fluid translation ensures that a David Shrigley print retains the urgent, sketch-like authenticity of the original drawings. By elevating casual doodles into formal gallery presentations, he subverts traditional art-historical hierarchies with effortless intellect.

Print Process

Executed on heavy Somerset tub sized paper, each screenprint in this suite features multiple layers of intensely saturated ink to achieve its velvety matt finish. The precision of the screenprinting method allows the rich, flat colours of the background to sit flush against the dense black lines of the text. This rigorous production method ensures that every brushstroke and slight ink bleed from the original composition is captured with utmost fidelity.

Working closely with the master printmakers at Jealous Gallery, the artist ensures that the printmaking process preserves the spontaneous energy of his hand-drawn originals. This meticulous collaboration results in a highly cohesive David Shrigley limited edition print set that bridges the gap between commercial graphic design and fine art. The final works feel incredibly direct, as if the ink has only just dried on the page.

Collectability

The demand for the artist's graphic works remains exceptionally high, driven by sustained collector interest in his most text-driven portfolios. Because these works bypass obscure art jargon in favour of accessible, dark humour, they hold a unique position in the contemporary secondary market. This suite is particularly prized for representing the dry, observational wit that has made his output globally recognisable.

Representing an important text piece from his highly active 2020 publishing period, this suite of eight works stands as a landmark release in the artist's graphic oeuvre. Given the relatively small edition size of 125, complete portfolios are increasingly difficult to source on the secondary market. As a result, the set represents a highly desirable example of his satirical practice, possessing strong appeal for established collectors.