Ed Ruscha's art in the 2000s continued to engage with themes and techniques that have defined his career, while also exploring new directions. Throughout this decade, Ruscha maintained his interest in the interplay between text and image, a characteristic aspect of his work since the 1960s. His exploration of typography and the use of unconventional materials for his canvases remained evident, underscoring his ongoing experimentation within his artistic practice. One significant aspect of Ruscha's work during the 2000s is his engagement with the landscape and urban environment of Southern California, which has been a central theme throughout his career. His works from this period, including paintings and prints, often reflect the vernacular architecture, signage, and expansive landscapes that define the region. Ruscha's fascination with the Hollywood film industry and its iconography also continued to influence his work, as seen in pieces that play with cinematic themes and the visual language of film​ (Wikipedia)​. Ruscha's exploration of words as visual elements persisted in the 2000s, with his typography often taking center stage in his compositions. He developed a distinctive use of text, employing his invented typefaces and playing with the visual rhythm of words and phrases. This period saw Ruscha experimenting with "blank" canvases and "censor strips," incorporating these elements into his series of Silhouette and Cityscapes works. These techniques allowed him to suggest the presence of words while simultaneously obscuring them, engaging viewers in a visual dialogue about communication and perception​ (Wikipedia)​. A notable event in Ruscha's career during the 2000s was the comprehensive retrospective of his work at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), titled "ED RUSCHA / NOW THEN." This exhibition, which featured over 200 works produced from 1958 to the present, showcased the breadth of Ruscha's artistic endeavors and his cross-disciplinary approach. The retrospective highlighted motifs that Ruscha has revisited over his six-decade career, including his modern takes on comic strips, typefaces, and the open road, emphasizing the significance of printed matter in his oeuvre​ (MoMA)​. Ruscha's work in the 2000s, characterized by his innovative use of language, continued exploration of the Southern Californian landscape, and engagement with cinema, solidified his status as a pivotal figure in contemporary art. His ability to blend visual and textual elements in his works has made a lasting impact on the art world, reflecting his unique perspective on American culture and the urban environment.