David Shrigley’s latest installation at the Stephen Friedman Gallery in Mayfair consists of 10 tons of discarded marine rope, piled high and priced at £1 million. The artist collected the rope over months, saving it from landfill, and presents it as a literal take on the idiom 'money for old rope'. The work is a deadpan joke, a non-sequitur with no punchline, that questions what people are willing to pay for art.
The installation visually resembles other conceptual art pieces that use rubbish, but Shrigley’s approach is knowingly sarcastic. He seems to admit the absurdity of the art world, where ideas can be valued at millions. However, the critique feels awkward given the gallery’s recent financial struggles, having reported significant losses earlier this year.
Maurizio Cattelan made a similar point in 2019 by taping a banana to a wall and selling it for a high price, but that was during a boom. In today’s more cautious market, Shrigley’s commentary on art’s financial value may be less clear-cut. Despite this, the work is disarmingly charming, inviting viewers to ponder its meaning while acknowledging it is ultimately just a pile of old rope.
