Twentysix Gasoline Stations
Ruscha, Ed
Los Angeles. 1969
A very fine example of the third edition of Ed Ruscha's first artist book.
From the third edition limited to 3,000 numbered copies.
Typological photographs of twenty-six gasoline stations Ruscha encountered on the drive from his hometown, Oklahoma City, to Los Angeles, his home ever since. True to form, the sequence of the images is presented in reverse, and ends in Texas.
'With this his first book, Ruscha established a new paradigm for artist's books that stood in opposition not only to hand-printed books but also to the livres de luxe common earlier in the century ... here was a book - primarily visual, comprising nondescript photos of gas stations, assembled by a visual artist, that could slip into any book store, or pocket, and be marketed like any other paperback.'
[Engberg & Phillpot B1; Parr / Badger II, 140; Open Book 198–199].
From the third edition limited to 3,000 numbered copies.
Typological photographs of twenty-six gasoline stations Ruscha encountered on the drive from his hometown, Oklahoma City, to Los Angeles, his home ever since. True to form, the sequence of the images is presented in reverse, and ends in Texas.
'With this his first book, Ruscha established a new paradigm for artist's books that stood in opposition not only to hand-printed books but also to the livres de luxe common earlier in the century ... here was a book - primarily visual, comprising nondescript photos of gas stations, assembled by a visual artist, that could slip into any book store, or pocket, and be marketed like any other paperback.'
[Engberg & Phillpot B1; Parr / Badger II, 140; Open Book 198–199].
[24 leaves]. Small 8vo. (180 x 140 mm). Printed title, copyright verso with edition details, leaf with dedication and 25 monochrome reproduction photographs each with printed caption. Original publisher's white printed wrappers, title to front cover and spine in red and with original glassine.
#48538
