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.

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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

I think the experience has been brilliant from start to finish
Review of HOPE (251-375)
were happy to have the print and are grateful for the professional correspondence. we look fwd to purchasing prints in the future.
Review of Prismatic Head Composition
The packaging is always good but this was superb. And the piece exceeded all expectations.
Review of Ugly Bastard
love the packaging of the print. superb.
Review of Super Glow
this piece is legendary. So so happy with this purchase. Finally, my own Decendent sculpture!
Review of Descendent - Lucid Dreamer
Great experience all around, thank you! I love what you do and the fact that it allows me to own artist works whose originals I wouldn't be able to afford.
Review of Paysage d’Intérieur (printemps)
incredible super premium packaging! the unboxing experience was wow! the piece is gorgeous, looking forward to hang it
Review of Guardian
Congratulations for the perfect service!
Review of Out of the Dark

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