Ed Ruscha and Thomas Cole Cycles Unite at National Gallery
The National Gallery in London will simultaneously exhibit Ed Ruscha's 'Course of Empire' series and Thomas Cole's 'The Course of Empire' from June 11 to October 7, 2018. Ruscha's ten works, first shown at the 2005 Venice Biennale, have been restored and will be seen in the UK for the first time. Cole's monumental paintings (1833–1836) hang in the ground-floor galleries. Both series address American concerns: Cole depicts a classical civilization's rise and fall, while Ruscha focuses on Los Angeles's industrial buildings, emphasizing economic power and global reach. Curator Christopher Riopelle notes Ruscha's long fascination with Cole's allegorical use of landscape, offering a unique comparison across 140 years.
Key facts
- Ed Ruscha represented the US at the 51st Venice Biennale in 2005 with his 'Course of Empire' installation.
- Ruscha's series was inspired by Thomas Cole's 'The Course of Empire' (1833–1836).
- Both series reflect the artists' concerns about the condition of the United States.
- Ruscha's works focus on industrial buildings in Los Angeles, contrasting with Cole's classical allegory.
- The exhibition runs from June 11 to October 7, 2018 at the National Gallery, London.
- This is the first time Ruscha's restored series is shown in the UK.
- Cole's cycle is permanently displayed in the ground-floor galleries of the National Gallery.
- Curator Christopher Riopelle highlights the opportunity to compare the two artists' approaches.
Entities
Artists
- Ed Ruscha
- Thomas Cole
- Christopher Riopelle
Institutions
- National Gallery
- Venice Biennale
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Los Angeles
- United States
- Omaha
- Venice