ED RUSCHA

News, Mews, Pews, Brews, Stews & Dues, London, Editions Alecto, 1970 (E. 34-39)

Details

ED RUSCHA
News, Mews, Pews, Brews, Stews & Dues, London, Editions Alecto, 1970 (E. 34-39)
the complete set of six signed, dated and numbered screenprints from organic materials in colors, title sheet, colophon sheet and sheet listing conservation concerns for "organic screenprints", 1970, on wove paper, copy 15 of 125, with full margins, the colors fresh, Mews with a crease in the bottom left margin, Dues with pale soiling in the bottom corners and dent in the bottom sheet edge, otherwise in very good condition, original rust velvet-and beige moiré covered portfolio (minor pressure marks). 583 x 806 mm.
the set

Lot Essay

The present work is an excellent example of Ed Ruscha's celebrated practice of challenging traditional bounds of medium and expression with a humourous twist. In this portfolio, Ruscha presents six rhyming words in Old English typeset against pale, innocuous backgrounds. The whimsical choices of axel grease, chocolate syrup, daffodils and caviar used to compose these letters and colors highlights the true subject of the work: "The pleasure of it is both in the wit and the absurdity of the combination." (Christopher Fox, Talking to Edward Ruscha, Portfolio Leaflet, 1970, Editions Electo, p. 1)