Artist David Shrigley is hoping to get £1m for a 10 tonne pile of old rope

Key Concepts

• Money for Old Rope: An aphorism referring to receiving remuneration for something of little or no value.
• Redundant Rope: Rope that is no longer usable for its original purpose due to wear, damage, or obsolescence.
• Pathos: A quality that evokes pity or sadness.
• Contemporary Art: Art produced at the present period in time.
• Accessibility in Art: The quality of being easily understood or appreciated by a wide audience.
• Humor in Art: The use of comedy and wit as a means of artistic expression.
• Art Scene: The community of artists, galleries, critics, and collectors in a particular place or time.
• Resourcefulness: The ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

Exhibition: "Money for Old Rope" by David Shrigley

Main Topic: A Ten-Ton Installation of Rope

The core of the exhibition is a monumental installation comprising 10 tons of rope, meticulously sourced from across the country. This artwork, by Turner Prize-nominated artist David Shrigley, is a literal interpretation of the idiom "money for old rope." The rope used is entirely redundant, meaning it's no longer fit for its original, functional purpose. Examples include mooring lines from cruise liners and crab pots, which, if used in their intended capacity when degraded, could lead to catastrophic failures like a ship drifting away or severe injuries from climbing rope failure. This inherent uselessness and potential for past utility imbue the material with a sense of pathos.

Key Points and Technical Details

• Material Sourcing: Shrigley spent months collecting "unwanted material" to prove the concept of getting "money for old rope."
• Scale: The installation consists of four giant piles totaling 10 tons of rope.
• Material Properties: Shrigley learned that old rope is not very recyclable, which facilitated its acquisition. Some ropes are made from materials like Kevlar, commonly used in body armor, further highlighting their advanced, yet now obsolete, nature.
• Pricing: The artwork is listed for sale at one million pounds.

Inspiration and Artistic Intent

• Literal Interpretation: The primary inspiration is the aphorism "money for old rope," which describes receiving payment for something of little or no value. Shrigley aimed to explore this concept by creating a literal representation.
• Provocation and Conversation: Shrigley anticipates and welcomes diverse public responses, viewing any engagement as valuable. He believes that the conversation surrounding the artwork becomes part of the work itself.
• Addressing Critics: Shrigley directly addresses the common criticism of contemporary art, "Anybody could do this. This isn't art. This is just a pile of rope." His response is a pragmatic acknowledgment: "Well, yeah, it is just a pile of rope. So, Ted, right?" He suggests that the price point is intended to elicit a specific reaction and acknowledges that some individuals will always have a "reactionary attitude towards contemporary art." He asserts that art is for everybody to respond to in their own way.

The Role of Humor and Accessibility

• Humor as an Entry Point: Shrigley emphasizes the importance of humor in his work, stating, "I think if you can make something comic and you can make people laugh, that's a good starting point." He believes that laughter provides an accessible point of entry for understanding and engaging with art.
• Comedy and Pathos: He notes that his work often combines comedy with pathos, creating a "heady combination." This suggests that while humor is present, it doesn't negate the deeper, more somber undertones of the material.
• Career Development: Shrigley reflects that the accessibility of his work, particularly his prints which translate well to domestic settings, has likely contributed to his successful career. He admits to previously trying to be more "profound" but now embraces the necessity of comedy for himself and its effectiveness in connecting with audiences.

The Contemporary Art Scene and Advice for Aspiring Artists

• UK Art Scene: Shrigley describes the UK art scene as "really positive" with numerous forums for presenting work, more so than when he was younger. However, he acknowledges the difficult economic climate for younger artists, particularly due to the cost of education.
• Advice for Students: For students considering a creative career, Shrigley's advice is to "Pursue your dreams" and not be discouraged. He stresses the importance of resourcefulness in making a living and advises careful consideration of study paths due to financial implications. He concludes with a lighthearted encouragement: "if I can make a living exhibiting old rope, then anyone can be an artist."

Conclusion

David Shrigley's "Money for Old Rope" exhibition is a thought-provoking exploration of value, obsolescence, and the nature of art itself. By literalizing a common idiom with a substantial installation of discarded rope, Shrigley challenges viewers' perceptions and invites dialogue. His consistent use of humor as an accessible entry point, combined with underlying pathos, has been a key factor in his artistic success. He offers pragmatic advice to aspiring artists, emphasizing passion, resourcefulness, and the potential for a creative career, even in unconventional forms.