Learning Objectives
- Analyse and interpret themes, concepts and ideas in Shrigley’s work and discuss how he uses materials and techniques to realise his intentions.
- Apply the art elements and principles to an interpretation of Shrigley’s work.
- Examine Shrigley’s work through the Interpretive Lenses and discuss the meanings and messages in his work.
- Identify and analyse the presentation of Shrigley’s work in a public space and discuss the works meanings and messages.
Introduction to David Shrigley and NGV Triennial 2023
David Shrigley is a British visual artist whose artworks ‘explore existential angst, anxiety and nonsense’. A multi-disciplinary artist, Shrigley’s mediums include drawing, printmaking, sculpture, books, animation, photography, music and political cartoons.
In 2016, the prestigious Fourth Plinth Commission in Trafalgar Square, London, held Shrigley’s sculpture Really good. Now part of the NGV’s permanent Collection, Really good was first displayed at the entrance to NGV International as part of the NGV Triennial 2023 exhibition.
The Triennial is a large-scale exhibition which celebrates the work of contemporary artists, designers and collectives. Held every three years, the Triennial offers a snapshot of local and global contemporary creative practices, with many works like Shrigley’s Really good entering the Collection.
The Triennial is a large-scale exhibition which celebrates the work of contemporary artists, designers and collectives. Held every three years, the Triennial offers a snapshot of local and global contemporary creative practice with many works like Shrigley’s Really good entering the Collection.
Introduction to Creative Practice videos
In the following videos, Shrigley discusses his use of materials within his disciplined creative practice. Shrigley examines how the meaning of his work can change depending on its cultural, social or political context. He also discusses the role of monuments and statues as forms of public art.
Discussion Questions
- Outline the main themes and ideas in Really good. What does Shrigley want to communicate with his sculpture?
- Discuss Shrigley’s use of the art elements (such as shape, texture and form) and principles (like proportion and scale). How has this contributed to the distinctive aesthetic qualities and meaning found throughout his works of art?
- Consider the Interpretive Lenses in an analysis of Shrigley’s work. How might you interpret his work through the Personal or Cultural lens?
- Identify and consider Shrigley’s use of materials and techniques in both Really good and the print Everything is good. How does the meaning of the work change between works on paper and sculpture?
- In the above video Exhibiting Artworks, Shrigley says: ‘I think the nice thing about making work in the public space is the fact that you’re not in control of its meaning or the way that it’s perceived’. Identify and analyse the presentation and context of Really good and discuss how this informs our understanding of its meanings and messages. In your response consider the possible similarities and differences between the two display’s locations and years; London in 2016 and Melbourne in 2024. How might the change of location or year inform the meaning and messages of the work?
- What role does Shrigley hope the artwork might play in society? What role do you think it might play in society and culture?
- What have you learned from David Shrigley’s art practice that you might apply to your own?