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Photo: Joshua White PhotographyEd Ruscha
GAL CHEWS GUM, 2019 - 2021
Cast bronze with hand applied patina
14.25 x 20 x 4.25 inches
Edition of 40
GAL CHEWS GUM speaks to several eras of Ruscha's practice in creating something simultaneously nostalgic, droll and modern. The phrase, "GAL CHEWS SAME PIECE OF GUM SINCE 1970" recalls images of small-town roadside attractions or local news headlines. Ruscha once said, "I'm dead serious about being nonsensical." Although this statement might initially read like an off-handed quip, it is highly representative of his practice. His ability to stir the viewer's imagination with a suggestive or illusive choice of words allows for both a conceptual and visual experience that leaves room for interpretation.
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Photo: Joshua White Photography
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Photo: Joshua White Photography
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Ideation
Through various rounds of collaborating and experimenting with materials, the concept for the final result was conceived. -
The Foundry
The first step in bringing this edition to life is pouring the bronze into a custom mold. Each cast requires precision and complete stillness in order to prevent air bubbles from forming.
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The Water Jet
Once the process at the foundry is complete, the plates are water-jetted, where the letters are individually cut from the metal plate using high-pressure water. -
Patina
Next, the sculptures undergo a customized patina process specifically developed for this edition. -
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The Making of GAL CHEWS GUM
Please enjoy this short process video.
GAL CHEWS GUM by Ed Ruscha
Current viewing_room
GAL CHEWS GUM by Ed Ruscha is a bronze edition that combines multiple aspects of Ruscha's iconic vision into a single form: text, signage and shadows. The sculpture is fabricated using the ancient lost wax method of bronze casting that dates back to the 3rd millenium BC. The bronze conjures a weathered road sign or billboard flashing the words "GAL CHEWS SAME PIECE OF GUM SINCE 1970".
