Ultra
1970
11 7/16 x 29 1/16 in. (29.1 x 73.8 cm)
Edward Ruscha
American
Object Type:
Drawing
Medium and Support:
Gunpowder and pastel on paper
Credit Line:
The Charles Rand Penney Collection of the Memorial Art Gallery
Accession Number:
1975.289
Location: Not currently on view
Collection:
The Charles Rand Penney Collection
For a year, this drawing resided in the home of Vice President and Mrs. Walter Mondale, part of a group of 75 works of art from museums in the Northeast borrowed for the official residence on the grounds of the Naval Observatory in Washington. In a letter dated April 26, 1979, Joan Mondale wrote to Director John Mahey, “Having spent many of my working years in museums, I know that lending works of art brings mixed feelings—the pleasure of sharing, pride that the work has been sought, and the apprehension for one’s treasures. Be assured, your generosity in loaning works to the Vice President’s House is gratefully appreciated.” (Did Mrs. Mondale know that Pop artist Ed Ruscha’s lover was named Ultra Violet?)
[Label text from It Came From the Vault exhibition, 2013]