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Rusty Signs
2014

Ed Ruscha's "Rusty Signs" series, created in 2014, embodies a collection of Mixografia prints that explore themes of decay, obsolescence, and the passage of time through the motif of weathered signage. These artworks, produced on handmade paper and featuring vivid coloration, present a poignant commentary on the fading of the American Dream and the transient nature of commercial and social landscapes. Each piece in the series, such as "Dead End I," is meticulously crafted, combining Ruscha's signature textual imagery with the tactile richness afforded by the Mixografia printing process. This technique enhances the three-dimensional quality of the prints, further emphasizing the textural degradation that characterizes the series. Ruscha's work is not just a visual experience but a deep, reflective engagement with the symbols and signs that populate American culture, reflecting on their enduring significance and eventual decline​ (Sothebys.com)​.