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Lesson Plan Image

Words Pop

Ed Ruscha is a pop artist known for using word in his pieces. Students will explore his life and work and create their own word art.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

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  • Paper

Steps

  • Step 1

    Ed Ruscha (b. 1937) is a pop artist whose works often include words, phrases, and images taken from everyday sources. He is also a FAPE (Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies) artist, and his mural "Extremes and In-betweens in Two Languages (Extremos e Intermedios en dos Lenguajes)" was installed in the US Embassy in Mexico City in 2024. Have students view some of his works including the above-named mural, "Honk" (1962), "Pay Nothing Until April" (2003), "The End #40" (2003), "Dec. 30th" (2005) or any others.

  • Step 2

    Ruscha plays with catch phrases, onomatopoeia, alliteration, and other playful language. Have students think of a word or phrase that appeals to them. It can be a meaningful topic or just a word or phrase that's fun to say. (Ruscha said he titled his book "Twentysix Gasoline Stations" because he likes the word "gasoline" and the quality of the number "twenty-six.")

  • Step 3

    Ask students to sketch their word or phrase on paper and then illustrate it in a fun and/or meaningful way. When the work is complete, have them present their art and discuss why they chose the word or phrase and method of illustration.

Standards

ARTS: Speculate about processes an artist uses to create a work of art.

ARTS: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.

Adaptations

Have students investigate other conceptual artists who use words in their art, such as Jenny Holzer (who incorporates statements about feminism and individual agency in her art), Mel Bochner (who often highlights the banalities of contemporary communication), or Erica Baum, who photographs cropped, close-up materials including book pages, library card catalogues, chalkboards and other items.

Concrete poetry is a style in which the language used in the poem takes a specific shape that relates to what the poet wants to communicate. An example might be writing a short poem about a snail in a circular fashion. Challenge students to create their own concrete poem.