Abstract Paintings by Ed Ruscha & Josef Albers Available With Christie’s

American artist Ed Ruscha is closely associated with the Pop Art movement. His significant  paintings, photographs, and prints utilize typography. He is noted for his flat, textual paintings that reference Beat Generation subculture. Ruscha’s See, an oil on canvas work painted between 1983 and 1985, is a key highlight of the upcoming Christie’s auction. This work blends the vastness of pale azure sky with the word “See.” Creating a sense of drama, the composition portrays infinite depth. Akin to a clinical eye exam, the word begins with a large letter “S,” and the other two letters are rendered in diminishing block capitals. Ruscha’s skyscapes and landscapes are often meant to be unspecified backdrops for the drama of text. Another striking abstract work by the artist offered in this sale is titled Ford Fairlane. The acrylic on canvas illustrates bold Roman numerals floating against a grey background with two black parallel shadow-like bars. 

The sale also features Josef Albers’ oil on Masonite work titled Double Homage to the Square. The German artist is best remembered for his celebrated series, Homage to the Square. Produced over 26 years, it is regarded as one of the most influential painting series of its time. Visit Christie’s to view the complete catalog for the Art of Collecting: A Pacific Island Connoisseur of Art and Design sale.