Ed Ruscha: Standard
Ed Ruscha's influence can be seen in graphic design, cinema, architectural theory, and urban history. His art depicts everyday objects – gas stations, street signs, billboards, commercial packaging – yet often triggers philosophical reflection about the relationship between words, things, and ideas. The word “standard” is a case in point: it can be a banner or rallying point, an established level of quality, and an oil company’s brand name. In his depictions of Standard stations, Ruscha points to each of these definitions and more. LACMA's collection includes more than 300 works by Ruscha. This exhibition highlights generous donations of the artist's work over the years, and coincides with LACMA’s Fall 2012 Art + Film gala, honoring Ed Ruscha and Stanley Kubrick.
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Ed Ruscha (United States, born 1937) Standard Station, 1966. Screenprint Museum Acquisition Fund M.79.125 © 2012 Edward J. Ruscha IV. All rights reserved. Photo © Museum Associates/LACMA
Ed Ruscha, Woody, and the World’s Hottest Pepper
As part of LACMA's recent Art+Film Gala, filmmaker Lance Acord created a short film tribute to artist Ed Ruscha. Produced by Park Pictures and LACMA.
Ruscha and Film
Ed Ruscha first drew the Hollywood sign in 1967. Since then, the familiar icon has appeared in many of his paintings, drawings, and prints. Although he has joked that the sign was “a smog indicator: If I could read it, the weather was OK,” its recurrence in his art hints at Ruscha’s deep, personal engagement with film and film culture...
