That Was Then This is Now, 2014

Ed Ruscha is a pioneering American artist whose work often explores the intersection of language, culture, and visual art. Emerging from the Pop Art movement in the 1960s, Ruscha became known for his use of text as a central element in his paintings, prints, and photographs. His work frequently incorporates phrases that are both enigmatic and evocative, encouraging viewers to reflect on the passage of time, the fluidity of meaning, and the nature of memory. Ruscha’s art is deeply influenced by his Los Angeles surroundings, with recurring themes of urban sprawl, consumer culture, and the desolation of the American West.

In his 2014 artwork That Was Then This Is Now, Ruscha employs his signature text-based approach, juxtaposing the titular phrase in a bold, graphic format. The artwork, a color lithograph printed in thirteen colors on Entrada paper, measures 34 ½ × 46 inches and was produced in an edition of 75. The phrase itself conveys a sense of temporal dissonance, inviting viewers to reflect on the shift between past and present, both personal and societal. The meticulous printing process and the layered use of color highlight Ruscha’s technical precision, while the piece’s minimalist design underscores his ability to distill complex ideas into simple yet impactful compositions. That Was Then This Is Now exemplifies Ruscha’s enduring fascination with language as a visual and conceptual medium.