Witness My Joy (2022) – David Shrigley Screenprint

About the Work

Witness My Joy (2022) is a striking David Shrigley screenprint that juxtaposes a stark, silhouetted black bird with a radiating, multi-tonal sunset of brilliant yellows and oranges. Perched on a minimalist black branch, the solitary avian figure stands beneath the hand-rendered text, commanding the viewer to acknowledge an emotion that its solemn posture seemingly contradicts. The intense colour saturation creates a theatrical backdrop, transforming a simple wildlife study into a bold, graphic statement.

By contrasting the celebratory command of the text with the bird's static, unexpressive silhouette, the composition brilliantly captures Shrigley's signature brand of absurdity. This tension between literal meaning and visual understatement invites the viewer to question the performance of happiness in contemporary life. Through this stark juxtaposition, the everyday act of observing nature becomes an ironic meditation on existential validation.

David Shrigley

Nominated for the Turner Prize in 2013, David Shrigley has secured a celebrated position within the international contemporary art landscape. His monumental Fourth Plinth commission in London's Trafalgar Square and his frequent participation in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition highlight his profound influence on British satirical art. Today, his works are held in prestigious public collections globally, including Tate in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

The transition of his celebrated, spontaneous line drawings into highly finished graphic editions has redefined the accessibility of fine art. Each David Shrigley print translates his immediate, observational sketches into a refined physical medium without losing the raw energy of the original ink drawings. This careful balance between casual draftsmanship and meticulous production values remains central to his widespread appeal.

Screenprint Process

Released in an exclusive, highly sought-after edition size of 125, Witness My Joy showcases a remarkable technical execution. The production utilises a complex 16 colour screenprint process, layering deep pigments onto heavy Somerset satin tub sized 410gsm paper to achieve unparalleled depth. A double varnish overlay is meticulously applied, giving the bold graphic elements a distinct tactile quality and protecting the rich inks.

Collaborating with the esteemed Jealous Gallery, the production team carefully preserved the fluid urgency of the artist's original ink strokes. This masterfully executed screenprinting process ensures that the finished David Shrigley limited edition print retains the immediate, hand-drawn character of his studio work. The resulting surface possesses a physical weight and graphic clarity that digital reproduction simply cannot replicate.

Collectability

Pieces featuring avian motifs and bold text statements consistently generate the highest levels of collector interest within the artist's secondary market. The instant recognisability of these iconic designs makes them cornerstone acquisitions for both established and emerging contemporary art collections. Consequently, works that unite these two signature elements are highly prioritised by acquisitions specialists globally.

Representing a major colour work from his highly regarded 2022 printmaking period, the piece remains a particularly desirable example of Shrigley's graphic practice. With its modest edition size of 125, Witness My Joy experiences continued collector appeal and remains difficult to source. This sustained demand underlines the enduring market presence of the artist's most vibrant and texturally rich editions.

Artwork Specifications

• Artist: David Shrigley (British, b. 1968)
• Title: Witness My Joy
• Medium: 16 colour screenprint with a two varnish overlay on Somerset satin tub sized 410gsm
• Dimensions: 75 x 56 cm
• Edition: Edition of 125
• Year: 2022
• Publisher: Galleri Nicolai Wallner
• Markings: Signed and numbered