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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Returns and refunds

This artwork is protected by a resale agreement, which all collectors will need to sign before placing an order. More details in our FAQs

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Actual Size: Explained
Insight

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

really a masterpiece to add in my collection!Thanks a lot🙏🏻❤️
Review of Descendent - Lucid Dreamer
very good quality of the print and very professional service 👍
Review of Inner Love
Overall, a very satisfying and educational experience! I greatly appreciate the various updates during the production and shipping processes. Thank you very much.
Review of Actual Size
From start to finish, the process of purchasing, claiming the NFT counterpart, and receiving the framed piece was nothing short of excellent. My entire experience with Avant Arte displayed a level of professionalism and excellence across the board. Well done!
Review of Ringers #962: The LACMA Iterations
Very well presented and with cert.
Review of Actual Size
Thanks for keeping me in the loop during the entire process. The packaging of the item was exceptional.
Review of Portrait of Maya #10
love the quality and care put into the work. love it and cant wait to hang it at home.
Review of Sierra
Thanks for a fantastic service. First time user.
Review of Guardian

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