HOPE
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© Ed Ruscha

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HOPE 1998
  • Artist Rooms
The shape and scale of this large work is a direct reference to public advertising billboards, which is a recurring motif in Ruscha’s work. In contrast to this the word ‘Hope’ is a very private emotion, filled with religious and spiritual connotations. This jars with the dark, menacing spray paint that the artist has used. With the final letter, ‘E’, almost obliterated in an explosion of darkness, the idea of hope dying or fading is suggested. Ruscha has used the word ‘Hope’ in several other paintings.

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Motif

Details

  • Acc. No. AR00063
  • Medium Acrylic paint on paper
  • Size 101.60 x 152.40 cm (framed: 109.00 x 159.00 x 5.00 cm)
  • Credit ARTIST ROOMS National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. Acquired jointly through The d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Art Fund 2008

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