David Shrigley, the Turner Prize-nominated artist known for his deadpan, often grotesque drawings and sculptures, has taken over the Dulwich Picture Gallery, inserting his work among the museum's collection of Old Master paintings. The exhibition, which opened this week, marks a bold curatorial move for the south London gallery, typically known for its serene displays of 17th- and 18th-century European art.
Surreal Pairings and Darkly Comic Interventions
The show features more than 50 of Shrigley's works, including drawings, sculptures, and neon signs, placed in direct dialogue with paintings by artists such as Rembrandt, Poussin, and Murillo. In one room, a Shrigley drawing of a figure with a comically oversized head hangs next to a solemn portrait from the Dutch Golden Age, while his sculpture of a giant, grinning dog sits beneath a Baroque altarpiece.
According to the gallery, the exhibition is designed to “disrupt the quiet contemplation” of the Old Masters, inviting visitors to see the historic works through a contemporary, absurdist lens. Shrigley, a Glasgow-based artist, is known for his childlike yet unsettling style, often featuring stick figures, misshapen animals, and text-based works that deliver punchlines with a twist of existential dread.
Curatorial Vision and Artist's Perspective
“I wanted to create a kind of conversation between my work and the paintings,” Shrigley said in a statement. “It’s not about mocking them, but about finding unexpected connections. The Old Masters are often very serious, and I think there’s a humor in that seriousness that I’m trying to tap into.”
The exhibition was curated by the gallery's director, Jennifer Scott, who described the collaboration as “a natural fit” despite the apparent contrast in styles. “Shrigley's work has a raw, direct quality that actually complements the emotional intensity of the Old Masters,” Scott said. “Both are concerned with the human condition, just in very different ways.”
One of the most striking installations is a large-scale drawing of a figure vomiting a rainbow, placed directly opposite a painting of the Crucifixion. The juxtaposition has already sparked debate among visitors, with some praising the boldness and others questioning the respect for the historic works.
Impact on Visitor Experience and Gallery Tradition
The gallery, which opened in 1817 and is the oldest public art gallery in England, has a reputation for conservative programming, making this exhibition a significant departure. The show is part of a broader trend among museums and galleries to recontextualize historic collections through contemporary interventions, a practice that has gained popularity in recent years.
“We want to challenge our audiences and show that these old paintings are still relevant,” Scott added. “Shrigley's work provides a jolt that makes you look at them anew.”
The exhibition, titled “David Shrigley: Old Masters,” runs until January 2027. It includes a new series of drawings created specifically for the show, as well as a shop selling limited-edition prints and merchandise. The gallery reports that advance ticket sales have been strong, with many visitors drawn by the novelty of the pairing.
