Extract the Juice

About This Work

David Shrigley's 2023 print "Extract the Juice" is a compelling continuation of the artist's exploration of the absurdities and banalities of modern life. As a principal figure in contemporary British art, Shrigley’s work is immediately recognizable for its crude line drawings and wry, darkly comic captions. Born in Macclesfield in 1968 and educated in environmental art at the Glasgow School of Art, Shrigley has established himself as a multifaceted artist adept in a variety of mediums, including drawing, sculpture, animation, and printmaking. His base in both Glasgow and Brighton seems to feed into his perpetual production of art that speaks directly to both a local and global audience. "Extract the Juice" sits comfortably within Shrigley's print oeuvre, exemplifying his characteristic style of illustration. The print is composed of seemingly simple, shaky lines that belie a more intricate intention, crafting a dialogue within the artwork’s frame. The figures, objects, and text within "Extract the Juice" are imbued with a sense of deliberate simplicity that invites the viewer into a conversation about the overlooked absurdities of everyday life. In doing so, Shrigley’s work extends beyond mere visual enjoyment, provoking contemplation and eliciting an emotional response that oscillates between humor and discomfort. The imagery in "Extract the Juice" is characteristic of Shrigley's practice, where objects—a staple in his pictorial vocabulary—are rendered with an immediacy that speaks to the spontaneity of thought itself. His signature handwritten captions layer an additional level of meaning, often taking on an aphoristic quality that distills complex human emotions into stark, digestible sentiments. The resulting effect is not unlike his past works, presenting a microcosm of existential quandaries scrawled with the innocence and irreverence of a schoolbook doodle. Throughout his prodigious career, Shrigley has been celebrated for his ability to capture the peculiarities of human experience with a minimalist touch, a talent that is evident in "Extract the Juice." This work maintains Shrigley's ongoing dialogue with his audience, continuing to explore themes of anxiety and existential dread articulated through a deadpan lens. Zebra One Gallery proudly includes "Extract the Juice" within its collection, aligning with the gallery's dedication to showcasing distinctive voices in contemporary art.

About the Artist

David John Shrigley (born 17 September 1968) is a British visual artist. He lived and worked in Glasgow, Scotland for 27 years before moving to Brighton, England in 2015. Shrigley first came to prominence in the 1990s for his distinct line drawings, which often deal with witty, surreal and darkly h...

Zebra One Gallery

Contemporary Art • Hampstead, London

Established 1976 • 50 years of excellence in contemporary art • Professional authentication and provenance research