David Shrigley, You Are Not Alone, 2014

You Are Not Alone (2014) – David Shrigley Linocut

About the Work

You Are Not Alone (2014) is a striking David Shrigley screenprint that demonstrates the artist's mastery of minimalist graphic communication. While the artist is widely celebrated for his screenprint editions, the work features the phrase You Are Not Alone, rendered in his signature hand-carved typographic style. The stark black ink contrasts sharply with the heavy white paper, lending the composition an immediate and arresting visual presence.

Through this raw presentation, the composition addresses a deep sense of modern isolation with a characteristic blend of sincerity and dark humour. By presenting an intimate, reassuring statement in such an unvarnished and graphic aesthetic, the artwork subverts the traditional expectations of comforting messages. The slight irregularities in the block-printed letters reinforce this poignant human vulnerability.

David Shrigley

As a Turner Prize nominee and the mind behind the celebrated Fourth Plinth commission in Trafalgar Square, David Shrigley has secured a singular position in contemporary British art. His work is held in major institutional collections worldwide, including the Tate and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. This global museum presence highlights his status as an influential chronicler of the everyday human condition.

The transition of his spontaneous drawings into graphic editions has proved immensely popular among international collectors. Acquiring a David Shrigley print offers an direct entry point into his wry, observational universe. His unique graphic language translates seamlessly to the printed medium, retaining all the vitality of his original works on paper.

Screenprint Process

Published by the prestigious Stephen Friedman Gallery, this significant 2014 release showcases a meticulous approach to traditional relief printing. Pressed onto heavy Somerset paper, the rich black ink sits proudly on the surface to highlight the physical texture of the hand-carved block. This tactile quality provides a depth that distinguishes his relief works from his larger-scale screenprint editions.

This hand-printed technique perfectly captures the deliberate awkwardness and raw energy of the artist's original drawing. As a highly sought-after David Shrigley limited edition print, the production of this work was carefully overseen to ensure the integrity of every individual impression. The collaboration with Stephen Friedman Gallery reinforces the exceptional quality and historical significance of the edition.

Collectability

The market for the artist's graphic works continues to show exceptional resilience, driven by sustained global demand. Collectors consistently prioritise pieces that feature his signature text-based wit and recognisable visual lexicon. This persistent collector interest has established a robust secondary market for his early graphic releases.

Representing an important text piece from his highly active 2014 publishing period, the work remains a particularly desirable example of his early graphic output. With an edition size of just 100, examples of You Are Not Alone appear infrequently on the secondary market. Its scarcity and clear thematic focus contribute to its enduring appeal among seasoned contemporary art collectors.