Ed Ruscha's "Thirtyfour Parking Lots in Los Angeles" from 1967 stands as a notable work within his broader exploration of the American urban landscape through photography and artist's books. This series captures aerial views of thirty-four empty parking lots in Los Angeles, presenting them in a manner that blends documentary photography with conceptual art. Ruscha's method involved capturing these sites from above, emphasizing the geometric patterns and the sprawling nature of the city's development. The work was initially presented as an artist's book, showcasing Ruscha's interest in the book format as a medium for artistic expression (The Metropolitan Museum of Art) (MoMA).
Ruscha's parking lots series, including images from iconic locations like the Hollywood Bowl and various commercial lots across Los Angeles, was not just a photographic undertaking but a conceptual one, reflecting on the urban environment and its transient nature. The images, captured in 1967 and later printed in 1999, offer a stark, unembellished look at the spaces that become a ubiquitous yet overlooked part of city life. Each photograph measures 15 x 15 inches on a 20 x 16 sheet, highlighting Ruscha's attention to detail and his deliberate approach to composition and framing (Yancey Richardson).
This work, like much of Ruscha's oeuvre, challenges traditional notions of art and photography, inviting viewers to find beauty and significance in the mundane. By presenting these parking lots devoid of cars and activity, Ruscha prompts reflections on space, absence, and the modern landscape. "Thirtyfour Parking Lots in Los Angeles" is emblematic of Ruscha's innovative approach to artist’s books, characterized by their simple design and the artist's keen observational eye, transforming everyday scenes into compelling works of art. Ruscha's projects from this period, including this series, are pivotal in understanding his contribution to the conceptual art movement and his ongoing exploration of the American West's architectural and urban themes.
