%C2%A9 Ed Ruscha
1984, 1970
Edward Ruschaexpand_more
Gunpowder and pastel on paperexpand_more
The William Hood Dunwoody Fund, by exchangeexpand_more 71.42
Not on Viewexpand_more
Ed Ruscha has always been fascinated with language. Inspired by Jasper Johns's austere numerals and targets, he set out to transform text and cultural icons into high art. In 1967, he began making his "paper ribbon" drawings, which characteristically feature isolated words as objects set in three-dimensional space. He portrayed his subjects in a precisely rendered trompe l'oeil manner, relying on various drawing mediums, cotton swabs, and the palm of his hand to draw the subtle tonal gradations needed to establish the highly illusionistic effects he desired. Rushca maintained that he chose words for their appearance, sound, or spelling rather than for their meanings, or referential associations. In 1984, however, the unmistakable reference to George Orwell's futuristic novel stands at odds with the graceful line and elegant form of the ribbon.
Details
- Title
- 1984
- Artist Life
- born 1937
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 71.42
- Provenance
- (Locksley Shea Gallery, Minneapolis); sold to MIA. 1971.
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Turvey D1970.33
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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