Ed Ruscha

Actual Size

€475

Edition of 1863

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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

It was all beautiful 10/10 🤍
Review of Actual Size
The piece arrived very safely packaged. We haven't yet had it framed, but I'm very excited to see it hanging in our space.
Review of Guardian
this is one of the finest prints I have ever seen. the quality is unmatched. a superb addition to my collection. thank you.
Review of York So Good They Named It Once
Incredible piece, well packaged, everything was A+++.
Review of Snow Lotus No. 1
i appreciate the speedy delivery and all interaction regarding my purchase was efficient and pleasant.
Review of Laying in the Grass (Hand-finished)
The print is beautifully made, and I love it.
Review of Portrait of Maya #10
Super stoked... exceeded expectations. Great framing and packaging and love the extra details in the authenticity card, bag, stickers.
Review of Untitled (Hand-finished)
Excellent quality artwork and good communication along the way.
Review of Diptych

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