Stains: Gunpowder (DuPont superfine)

1969

Ed Ruscha

Associated Names
Ed Ruscha
Artist, American, born 1937
Heavy Industry Publications
Publisher
In the image, there is a smudged, irregular shape formed by light gray lines against a white background creating an abstract impression. This faint shape could resemble a distant, blurred silhouette. The minimalistic nature of the image highlights the abstract quality of the composition.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    gunpowder on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of the Collectors Committee

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 30 × 27.31 cm (11 13/16 × 10 3/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2013.60.1.14

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Engberg 1999, no. B9.14

  • Series Title

    Stains

Associated Artworks

See all 75 artworks
The image features a large, plain rectangle with clean edges, creating a simple border. It contains a vast expanse of empty space, resembling a blank canvas or sheet of paper.

Stains: Los Angeles Tap Water

Ed Ruscha, Heavy Industry Publications
1969
This is an image of a black portfolio standing upright, surrounded by sheets of square paper laid flat on the ground side by side, covered with various stains. In the center of the composition is the open black portfolio with the word "Stains" inscribed on its cover in silver letters. Two of the pages on the ground appear to be a title paper and a table of contents or index; each of the other pages is blank aside from a small stain right at the center of the square paper. The stains are in various shades, including brown, yellow, orange, or gray. They look like drops or splatters of liquid. The sheets are evenly spaced, creating a grid-like pattern that covers the floor.

Stains

Ed Ruscha, Heavy Industry Publications
1969
The image depicts a white square with faint abstract shapes or indentations near the center. The overall appearance resembles a blank canvas or a pristine piece of paper.

Stains: Pacific Ocean Salt Water

Ed Ruscha, Heavy Industry Publications
1969

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Gagosian Gallery, NY); purchased by NGA, 2013

Associated Names

Bibliography

1999

  • Engberg, Siri, and Clive Phillpot. Edward Ruscha: Editions 1959-1999, Catalogue Raisonné. Minneapolis: Walker Art Center, 1999: no. B9.14.

Wikidata ID

Q76561971

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