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the dam will not build itself (2023) is a limited edition screenprint by david shrigley featuring a simply drawn beaver alongside the characteristically matter-of-fact declaration “the dam will not build itself”. printed in 20 colours with a varnish overlay, the work is a perfect example of shrigley’s ability to give animals recognisably human concerns and turn an everyday observation into something unexpectedly funny.
shrigley’s humour often comes from giving animals recognisably human concerns, and the dam will not build itself is a perfect example. the phrase sounds like something we’ve all said at one time or another, yet hearing it from a beaver makes it instantly absurd.
what i like is how efficiently the joke works. there’s almost nothing there — a simple drawing and a short sentence — but together they create a surprisingly complete little story. the beaver appears to have a job to do and, apparently, nobody else is going to do it.
for me, it’s one of those works that people notice, smile at, and keep coming back to. shrigley doesn’t need a complicated composition or an elaborate punchline. the humour comes from the gap between the seriousness of the statement and the completely inappropriate context in which it is delivered.
there’s also something very characteristic about the way the drawing and words work together. the loose, uncomplicated image gives the print its warmth, while the deadpan text provides the punchline. it’s simple, immediately accessible and unmistakably shrigley.
david shrigley has developed one of the most distinctive visual languages in contemporary british art, combining loose drawing, deadpan humour and observations of everyday life. his work has attracted an international audience across contemporary art, design and popular culture, while his limited edition prints form an important part of his wider practice.
the dam will not build itself is an edition of 125 and is presented in mint condition, unframed and retained in its original sealed packaging as issued by the publisher. the print has never been framed or displayed.
collection: luck 02
medium: 20-colour screenprint with a varnish overlay
paper: somerset tub sized 410gsm
edition: edition of 125
dimensions: 76 × 56 cm
signature: signed
condition: mint
framing: unframed
packaging: retained in the original sealed packaging as issued by the publisher
display history: never framed or displayed
delivery
complimentary personal delivery is available within brighton & hove. for uk and international orders, we arrange appropriate specialist art delivery and can provide fully insured, tracked delivery where required.
delivery is additional to the artwork price.
please contact us for a quotation before purchasing.
the dam will not build itself (2023) is a limited edition screenprint by david shrigley featuring a simply drawn beaver alongside the characteristically matter-of-fact declaration “the dam will not build itself”. printed in 20 colours with a varnish overlay, the work is a perfect example of shrigley’s ability to give animals recognisably human concerns and turn an everyday observation into something unexpectedly funny.
shrigley’s humour often comes from giving animals recognisably human concerns, and the dam will not build itself is a perfect example. the phrase sounds like something we’ve all said at one time or another, yet hearing it from a beaver makes it instantly absurd.
what i like is how efficiently the joke works. there’s almost nothing there — a simple drawing and a short sentence — but together they create a surprisingly complete little story. the beaver appears to have a job to do and, apparently, nobody else is going to do it.
for me, it’s one of those works that people notice, smile at, and keep coming back to. shrigley doesn’t need a complicated composition or an elaborate punchline. the humour comes from the gap between the seriousness of the statement and the completely inappropriate context in which it is delivered.
there’s also something very characteristic about the way the drawing and words work together. the loose, uncomplicated image gives the print its warmth, while the deadpan text provides the punchline. it’s simple, immediately accessible and unmistakably shrigley.
david shrigley has developed one of the most distinctive visual languages in contemporary british art, combining loose drawing, deadpan humour and observations of everyday life. his work has attracted an international audience across contemporary art, design and popular culture, while his limited edition prints form an important part of his wider practice.
the dam will not build itself is an edition of 125 and is presented in mint condition, unframed and retained in its original sealed packaging as issued by the publisher. the print has never been framed or displayed.
collection: luck 02
medium: 20-colour screenprint with a varnish overlay
paper: somerset tub sized 410gsm
edition: edition of 125
dimensions: 76 × 56 cm
signature: signed
condition: mint
framing: unframed
packaging: retained in the original sealed packaging as issued by the publisher
display history: never framed or displayed
delivery
complimentary personal delivery is available within brighton & hove. for uk and international orders, we arrange appropriate specialist art delivery and can provide fully insured, tracked delivery where required.
delivery is additional to the artwork price.
please contact us for a quotation before purchasing.