Ed Ruscha

Actual Size

€475

Edition of 186366.0 (H) × 62.0 (W) cm

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SPAM takes flight in a print by Ed Ruscha.

Ed Ruscha painted Actual Size in 1962 at a similar time to sonic, one word paintings like Oof, Smash and Honk. In its use of a household brand, Actual Size also draws connections with everyday consumerism and with Ruscha's larger scale appropriations, like the Hollywood sign.

The painting brings to life “SPAM in a can” – a phrase coined by journalists to describe astronauts sent to space in self-piloting rockets. Its title is lifted from the world of advertising, circling the true-to-life dimensions of its flying subject. These layers speak to Ruscha’s flair for dual meanings and deadpan humour.

Actual Size plays an important part in the history of both Pop Art and Conceptual Art, propelling it to become one of Ruscha’s most iconic paintings. To coincide with a retrospective at LACMA, it has been transformed into a limited edition print. Proceeds will support the museum’s future.

Framing

Prints can be ordered float-mounted in one of two framing options

Medium

UV pigment print with yellow silkscreen details and a matte varnish seal, printed on 410gsm Somerset Tub Sized Radiant White paper.

Authentication

Individually numbered and authenticated with a bespoke artist stamp (lower right corner).

Certificate of Authenticity

Arrives with a certificate of authenticity.

Release date

April 11, 2024

Payment

Pay with bank card, crypto, Apple Pay or Google Pay. If you wish you to use an alternative payment method, get in touch.

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Actual Size: Explained
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Behind the scenes

Portrait of artist Ed Ruscha balancing books on his head

Ed Ruscha1 collaborationPop artist Ed Ruscha is a staple of 20th-century American art. He rose to prominence in the early 1960s with his cartoon-inspired paintings like HONK (1962), OOF (1963) and SPAM (1962). At the time, Ruscha frequently made the 1000-mile road trip on Route 66 between his hometown, Oklahoma, and his chosen city, Los Angeles. On these journeys, he created the photographic series Twentysix Gasoline Stations (1963), which remains one of his most well-known works to date. Ruscha also made the series into a book and, throughout his career, has returned to the same pictures again and again – turning them into paintings, drawings and prints, which, along with iconic symbols like the Hollywood sign and 20th Century Fox, serve as documents of American life in all its jaded consumerist glory.

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Reviews from Avant collectors

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Review of Sierra
love it! beautiful sturdy wooden box and gloves supplied to handle and protect the artwork.
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thank you very much. Everything was perfect. You went above my expectations (quality of packaging, frame, goodies). It was a really great experience.
Review of Chromie Squiggle #8107
WellWellDone. looking forward to your further offerings i may support.
Review of Actual Size
We really appreciate AA being a trusted partner in our collecting journey. The quality offerings that AA helps bring to the market continue to impress.
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