Art & Art History ETDs

Publication Date

12-12-1978

Abstract

This paper analyzes the fourteen books California artist Ed Ruscha published from 1962 to 1972. Initial discussion of the emergence of Pop Art and the so-called "L.A. Look" form the background for a review of the artist's life and career. This is followed by a brief chronology and descriptions of the books establishing their impact and influence on contemporary art and photography. The publications are discussed in relation to significant movements during the decade, such as Conceptual Art, and it is concluded that they are unique and therefore escape easy categorization. Ruscha's inconoclastic attitude and "styleless" approach to photography as art is considered in an historical perspective with particular emphasis on comparison with the work of Walker Evans. The books are seen, however, to have closer similarities to the work of Marcel Duchamp, especially with regard to "randomness" and "the found object," to the readymades. Aspects of Ruscha's books relating to ideas of Karl Marx, Walter Benjamin, John Ruskin, Lewis Mumford, Stanley Cavell, Susan Sontag, William James, John Dewey and Ludwig Wittgenstein are also discussed. The conclusion is made that the work stands as a predecessor of much more contemporary art and that at a relatively early date, they prefigured "post-movement art" in America.

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Arts

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

UNM Department of Art and Art History

First Committee Member (Chair)

Van Deren Coke

Second Committee Member

Thomas R. Barrow

Third Committee Member

Wayne Roderic Lazorik

Fourth Committee Member

Nicolai Cikovsky Jr

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