Camden News
Publications by New Journal Enterprises
spacer
  Home Archive Competition Jobs Tickets Accommodation Dating Contact us
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
The Review - EXHIBITON
Published: 3 December 2009
 
Ed Ruscha painting called ME Ed Ruscha painting called ME
Artist of unknown, alien America

This painting by Ed Ruscha, called simply Me, is part of the artist’s lifelong attempts at evoking America’s awe-inspiring natural wonders and sprawling, alienating cities.
Born in 1937, Ruscha has spent his entire working life in Los Angeles, a city he regards as the “ultimate cardboard cut-out town, full of illusions”.
His artwork is reminiscent of the lonely American scenes painted by Edward Hopper, as well as of the pop art of Roy Lichtenstein.
Perhaps influenced by the time he spent working as a layout artist for an advertising agency after graduating from univer­sity, Ruscha juxtaposes headline buzzwords or parts of advertising slogans with topography in some of his paintings.
He once remarked that his artistic aim was to explore “the raw power of things that make no sense”.
The Hayward Gallery’s exhibition of Ruscha’s work is the first major UK retrospective to focus exclusively on the work of an artist widely regarded as one of the most influential in America over the past half a century. The artwork on show spans Ruscha’s entire career; the exhibition features 78 paintings, many of which are on public display for the first time, highlighting the range of Ruscha’s talent and his penchant for playful irony.
Josh Loeb

Ed Ruscha: Fifty Years of Painting is at The Hayward Gallery until 10 January
0844 847 9912.
www. southbankcentre.co.uk


Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment:


 

 
spacer
» Exhibition Listings
» Exhibition Tickets












spacer


Theatre Music
Arts & Events Attractions
spacer
 
 


  up