Ed Ruscha’s groundbreaking artist books surprised the art world,聽 each rigorously documenting the artifacts of American popular culture. By capturing vernacular architecture, commercial signage and the iconography of the road, the publications established a visual language for understanding a now well-established mythos – that of the American Dream.
Ed Ruscha: Archaeology and Romance聽at Harry Ransom Center, Texas, uncovers his creative process, presenting over 150 objects that track each stage of production – from conception to publication. Featuring motifs such as the gas station, the apartment building, palm trees and聽 swimming pools, the images, drawings and prints on display tap in to a universal narrative.
The exhibition is open until 6 January. Find out more
Credits:
1.聽Ed Ruscha,聽Pool #7, from the portfolio聽Pools, 1968 漏 the artist and courtesy Harry Ransom Center
2.聽 Ed Ruscha, Phillips 66, Flagstaff, Arizona, 1962, Gelatin silver print 漏 Ed Ruscha, Courtesy of the artist.
3.聽Ed Ruscha, Pool #2, ARTIST ROOMS National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. Lent by Artist Rooms Foundation 2011
Copyright: 漏 Ed Ruscha.
