Roo-Shay

OOF, by Edward Ruscha

Pop Art! In the West? Typically, when we think of Pop Art we(or those who are not that interested) immediately think of the East because it was the center of art at the time and because of Andy Warhol, Marilyn Monroe (Warhol's main subject of work), and maybe a few others. When I think of Pop Art, I think of Warhol, Lichtenstein, Jasper Johns, and Edward Ruscha(pronounced roo-shay). A little like Roy Lichtenstein, Ruscha is noted and known for incorporating words and phrases in his paintings. I'm a graphic design major and typography is an essential aspect of the study, so I try to study typographic elements in art. Ruscha's OOF isn't anything special or out of the ordinary typographically, but I what I liked most about it was of course the word "oof," but also how the words contrast with background. OOF by Ruscha can be found at the MoMA.

Edward Ruscha has remained an important figure in American art since the early 1960s when his artwork first came to the fore as part of the West Coast Pop Art movement. Since that time, he has continued to develop his signature style, which combines words and images on the same visual field.

Ruscha also did the trademark for 20th Century Fox.

Little Andy

Andy Warhol

From my trip to the MoMA I purchased an Andy Warhol replica from the MoMA Design Store. I call it Lil' Andy because it's not an original, but who cares. He isn't my favorite Pop Artist, but he is one of the most recognized. I bought this little artwork because it's similar to Roy Lichtenstein in a way with the use of benday dots. You wont be able to see the dots because the effect makes it appear as a solid color. And, I also like the quote on the picture.

MoMA

Today I made a trip to the Museum of Modern Art, MoMA, for inspirational purposes. Honestly the MoMA is one of the most comprehensive museums artistically. When first began my tour up to the final galleries I was overwhelmed with awe. Not trying to sound phony or anything, but that's how real this museum is. Of course there were pieces that didn't interest me, but there is always an appreciation for it. Sometimes we see artworks, and we say, "I could do that!" But the truth is you didn't. I guess that's why you have to appreciate it because these guys take risks that we overlook or are afraid to. I read in a magazine Creativity is all about risks, so I guess my advice to you, is take risks.
And!!! Take a trip to the MoMA, you wont regret it. When you first walk up the flight of stairs you are surprised with a piece of creative genius, I wont say.
Sorry for the low quality images. I hate myself for this - I carried my camera, BUT I forgot the memory card and the batteries, so I was forced to take a few pics with my phone. I did the best I could in fotoshop to restore it.
MoMA