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Ed Ruscha — O
Ed Ruscha

O

1993

A single bold letter "O" is rendered in Ed Ruscha's signature graphic style on the surface of a book, transforming the familiar object into both canvas and conceptual subject. The stark simplicity of the isolated letterform against the repurposed book speaks to Ruscha's lifelong fascination with language, typography, and the loaded cultural weight of everyday objects. Created in 1993, this work continues the artist's exploration of text as image, blurring the boundaries between literature, painting, and pop iconography.

Medium
oil on book
Dimensions
Signed
Yes

Notes

Execution: Executed in 1993, in the United States. Literature: Robert Dean, ; Exhibition History: Santa Fe, James Kelly Contemporary, ;

🔨 Auction Lot

Modern & Contemporary Art: Online Auction

March 3, 2026

Estimate: $8,000$12,000

Sold: $8,385

Lot 12

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About this work

Ed Ruscha, O, 1993

A single bold letter "O" is rendered in Ed Ruscha's signature graphic style on the surface of a book, transforming the familiar object into both canvas and conceptual subject. The stark simplicity of the isolated letterform against the repurposed book speaks to Ruscha's lifelong fascination with language, typography, and the loaded cultural weight of everyday objects. Created in 1993, this work continues the artist's exploration of text as image, blurring the boundaries between literature, painting, and pop iconography.

Medium
oil on book
Dimensions
21.4 x 2.8 cm
Year
1993
Signed
Hand-signed by the artist
Seen at
Phillips, New York, London, Hong Kong

Related themes

Renowned Artist, Minimalist, Male Artist, Intellectual Mood, Conceptual Art, American Artist, Pop Art, Contemporary Era, Neutral Tones, Unconventional Medium, Text-Based Art, Oil On Book

More works by Ed Ruscha

Collected by

Alex Capecelatro