British Artist David Shrigley Displays Pile of Old Rope with $1.2 Million Price Tag in London Gallery

Sayart / Dec 1, 2025

A simple pile of old rope is now on sale for one million British pounds (approximately $1.2 million) at a prestigious London gallery, courtesy of renowned British artist David Shrigley. The unconventional artwork has been put on display at a gallery in Mayfair, one of London's most upscale neighborhoods known for its luxury shops and high-end art establishments.

The installation consists of nothing more than old rope that Shrigley has literally piled together and presented as a serious piece of contemporary art. The stratospheric price tag has raised eyebrows and sparked conversations throughout the art world, with many questioning whether this represents genuine artistic commentary or an elaborate joke at the expense of art collectors and the general public.

The artwork appears to be part of Shrigley's ongoing exploration of value, meaning, and the sometimes absurd nature of the contemporary art market. Known for his satirical approach to art and society, Shrigley has built a reputation for creating works that challenge conventional notions of what constitutes valuable art and how much people are willing to pay for it.

To discuss the controversial piece and its implications, journalist Krishnan conducted an in-depth interview with David Shrigley for the "Ways to Change the World" podcast. The conversation explored whether the rope installation serves as serious commentary on the inflated values often assigned to modern art, or if it represents Shrigley's characteristic humor directed at the art establishment and collectors who might actually consider purchasing such a piece at such an astronomical price.

Sayart

Sayart

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