VARIOUS SMALL FIRES AND MILK Ruscha, Edward. Los Angeles, 1964 Ruscha, Edward. VARIOUS SMALL FIRES AND MILK. Los Angeles, 1964. Pp. [48], 16 offset black and white photographs of, well, small fires and a glass of milk. First edition, one of 400 copies, this signed Ed Ruscha on title page. Original wraps and glassine cover, glassine a bit dust-soiled and chipped at top and bottom of backstrip, else fine. Ruscha s second book of images in this style; this first edition is indeed much scarcer than his first such book, Twenty-Six Gasoline Stations (1962). The work is an artist's book, a form of art where the book itself is considered a work of art. It's not a traditional narrative but rather a conceptual piece. "Twenty-Six Gasoline Stations" is considered a seminal example of conceptual art. The idea behind the work is to present a seemingly mundane subject matter (gasoline stations) in a systematic and detached way, challenging traditional notions of artistic representation. The book has had a significant impact on the art world, particularly in the realm of conceptual and minimalist art. It influenced subsequent generations of artists and is often cited as an early example of the artist's book as a medium for artistic expression. Ruscha went on to create several other artist's books, each exploring ordinary subjects with a conceptual and detached approach. Some of his other well-known books include "Every Building on the Sunset Strip" (1966) and "Some Los Angeles Apartments" (1965). VARIOUS SMALL FIRES AND MILK. Los Angeles, (1964). Edward Ruscha's contributions to the art world, especially through his innovative use of language, photography, and the book format, have left a lasting legacy. His works are housed in major museums and collections around the world. Seller Inventory # 0587
