With a career spanning over six decades, American artist Ed Ruscha is widely regarded for his innovative approach to printmaking, gaining early recognition for his small collages that combined images and words taken from everyday sources such as advertisements. Over his career, Ruscha has continuously tapped into the visual and textual potential of language, often transforming the mundane into thought-provoking, visually intriguing images.

Now through June 23, two rare-to-market works by Ruscha—Wall Rocket (2013) and US (1994)—are currently available for bidding in our Contemporary Editions sale on Artnet Auctions.

Ed Ruscha, US (1994). Estimate $15,000–20,000.

Wall Rocket (2013) belongs to the artist’s “Mountain Prints” series, which was created between 2010 and 2015; this print does not come to auction often. The series is based on the artist’s paintings of the same subject, which are among his most sought-after works, regularly selling for 7-figures at auction. Wall Rocket (2013) depicts the artist’s signature and self-created typeface “Boy Scout Utility Modern” (which calls to mind the same font used for the iconic Hollywood sign) against snow-capped mountains reminiscent of the landscapes taken by the photographer Ansel Adams in the early 1900s.

Arguably rarer is Ruscha’s US (1994), a work from a series of three prints that the artist created at the Los Angeles-based printer-publisher Mixografía® in 1994, which were the earliest editions from his 20-year collaboration with the famed print studio. The handmade paper pulp print juxtaposes text with the dry marsh grass of what is likely Ruscha’s native Nebraska or sunburnt foothills of Los Angeles.

Ruscha’s work consistently sells for more than its high estimate, signaling constant demand.

Ruscha’s market has been consistently growing for years and has recently skyrocketed—in 2019, a record was set for the most expensive painting sold at auction by the artist. The demand for his prints is closely following that of his paintings; in the same year, a record was also set for the artist’s most expensive print ever sold at auction. Ruscha remains the third most expensive living artist, but luckily, you can acquire one of his prints for a fraction of the price of one of his paintings.

Don’t miss the opportunity to add these enthralling, iconic works to your collection—our Contemporary Editions sale is live now through June 23 on Artnet Auctions. And for additional data on Ed Ruscha’s market, email Artnet Analytics at [email protected].