The Dam will Not Build Itself

About This Work

David Shrigley's 2023 print "The Dam will Not Build Itself" seamlessly integrates his characteristic style, hallmarking the incisive wit and deliberate simplicity that define his oeuvre. Shrigley, born in Macclesfield in 1968, is acclaimed for his deadpan humor—rendered through crude line drawings and aphoristic captions—that wryly comment on the trivialities and anxieties of modern existence. This print is a quintessential example of Shrigley's ability to convey nuanced emotions through minimalist art. In "The Dam will Not Build Itself," Shrigley employs his signature technique: wobbly figures, and cartoonish objects paired with handwritten captions. This aesthetic not only subverts traditional expectations of fine art but also engages the viewer in a dialogue that blends humor with introspection. The phrase itself suggests an absurdity that masks a deeper commentary on human procrastination and societal expectations. Like much of Shrigley’s work, it might appear straightforward, yet the underlying message probes at inefficiencies and existential dread in a manner that feels both personal and universally recognizable. Shrigley first came to prominence in the 1990s through self-published books and comic strips for major British newspapers such as The Guardian and the Independent on Sunday. Over the years, he has expanded his repertoire, creating major public installations, such as the "Really Good" sculpture on Trafalgar Square's Fourth Plinth. These large-scale projects, along with intimate drawings like "The Dam will Not Build Itself," highlight his versatility and commitment to challenging the boundaries between art and everyday life. His educational background in environmental art at the Glasgow School of Art has informed a practice that toggles effortlessly between different media and forms—a versatility reflected in the humor and gravity that his prints consistently deliver. "The Dam will Not Build Itself" fits seamlessly within Zebra One Gallery's collection, embodying both the gallery's 50-year tradition of showcasing avant-garde artistry and Shrigley's status as a defining voice in contemporary British 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