Ed Ruscha exhibition, London

Our soft spot for the American West Coast artist Ed Ruscha continues apace with his latest exhibition recently opened at London’s Gagosian Gallery in Britannia Street. The show consists of five pairs of paintings: two different versions of the same work.

The simple but powerful concept behind this exercise was to show how changing cultural perceptions are reflected in the natural decay inherent in the passing of time. Whilst there’s little positive about decomposition at the best of times, Ruscha’s diptychs particularly highlight the human involvement, speeding up the corrosion process.

Click here to see a selection of Ruscha's diptychs

There’s a very subtle poignancy to the overall ‘then and now’ effect of the works, which Ruscha has been careful not to over egg, instead letting the images speak for themselves. Hailed as our very own Artist of the Year at the 2007 Wallpaper* Design Awards, Ruscha’s latest exhibition marks a significant development in his diverse portfolio, merely confirming his status as one of the world’s greatest living painters.

8 February 2008 | Art