Modern Multiples presents a 35-color serigraph by contemporary American artist, Ed Ruscha.

“It’s not artist-makes-print, but rather artist-and-printer-make-print.” 

-Ed Ruscha

“Keep that. Keep that. Keep that…” Ed Ruscha and the Modern Multiples team met in Ruscha’s L.A. studio in June to look over proofs for his latest screen print edition “Zoot Soot (Dedicated to the memory of Richard Duardo)”. Production on the 35 color screen print edition started immediately. This graphic edition proved to be ambitious; Ruscha’s previous record for most color layers in a printed work has been somewhere between 13 color layers, we were told by his studio assistant. Ruscha’s unique concept to replicate a handmade paper for the image demanded a high level rendering to achieve the pulpy uneven texture of the handmade paper from 2015.

The Inspiration:

Just after LA art icon Richard Duardo‘s passing Ed Ruscha designed a die cut edition in half inch thick handmade paper in 2015 and dedicated it to Richard. Pressed at Aardvark Letterpress the edition’s cut-out letters read “ZOOT SOOT” and sold out almost immediately through Bert Green Fine Art.

Now in 2019, this new edition by Ruscha of the same design builds layer by layer the image of hand made paper via the screen printing process. The negative space within the letters now contains palm trees and a clear blue sky. Subtraction and addition; one edition is a cut-out, the other is a layer-on. Two opposites each for their respective editions honor Duardo the pop artist master printer and rave scene pioneer- an artist whose career travels in many directions.

“Zoot Soot (Dedicated to the memory of Richard Duardo)”, 2019

– 35-Color Serigraph

– 15” x 16.75” (paper), 9.75” x 12.25” (image)

– Edition of 40

– Saunders Waterford W/C, White, 200lb HP, 425gsm

– Hand Deckled finish

– Modern Multiples Studio Chop

– Hi-res image available upon request

Thanks to the excellent relationship between Bert Green Fine Art, Ed Ruscha’s studio, and the team at Modern Multiples, this second interpretation of “Zoot Soot” is executed in consultation with Bert Green Fine Art.

This fact is instrumental in the narrative of this edition because the 35 color layers printed with hand mixed inks recreate in stunning 3-dimensionality a photograph of one of the “Zoot Soot” impressions from the 2015 edition. Mr. Ruscha then modified the photo with iconic L.A. palm trees and blue sky, and submitted it to Modern Multiples for proofing. A BAT (“Bon á Tirer”, or “good to pull”) was signed upon our very first presentation of proofs!

We are very proud of and humbled by the narrative behind this artwork and hope that you, too, may appreciate its significance in contemporary art. Higher resolution images are available upon request.

This Friday, May 19th, 2017…

Modern Multiples will be hosting a booth @…

Come visit us at #DTLADarkNights at @mylalive on 5/19!Stop by and check it out!

Vendors, graffiti artists, street performers, $5 food & drink menus & more.

www.lalive.com/darknights

Come out and have have some fun!

The Estate of Richard Saul Duardo,

L’Atelier Printing, and

Modern Multiples

are proud to present a…

Little Box of Art™

Today, we officially release the Richard Duardo Little Box of Art™!

The timing couldn’t be better either! Today, May 15th, 2017 would be Richard’s 65th Birthday. Happy Birthday, RSD.

“We’re making a case for art,” said Fly Tucker of L’Atelier Printing as he proposed this project to the Estate of RSD. L’Atelier Printing has already published 3 artists (Van Arno, Anthony Ausgang, and Germizm) making this the fourth box and FIRST time a deceased artist’s works will be available in this collectable format!

The “Little Box of Art” features…

• An 8.5″ x 8.5″ x 1.75″ wooden Gift Box containing…
• 15 archival pigment prints, approx. 7″ x 7″,  of Richard Duardo artwork spanning nearly 3 decades,
• A Legend with all 15 artworks’ titles and year,
• A Certificate of Authenticity embossed with both Modern Multiples’ and L’Atelier’s chops,
• Hand-pulled, screen printed box decals front and back,
• Hand-crafted interiors, and
• An embossed Edition number “RSD 001”-“RSD 200” on the side of the box notating the limited edition of 200!

Modern Multiples – the living legacy of master printmaker Richard Duardo – IS STILL PRINTING and has decided to co-publish this edition by producing the archival prints in-house. Approximately 7″ x 7″, the artwork inside is printed with Ultrachrome HD inks on 100% rag, acid-free paper. The colors and quality of these prints are begging to be in a mini frame! You can rotate out your favorite one whenever you please!

Collect yours HERE!

Modern Multiples and its crew would like to formally congratulate artist, legend, partner and friend Frank Romero for his continued success and recent peak in renown as he celebrates his life work in several locations with concurrent shows “Dreamland” at MOLAA (Museum of Latin American Art), “Soñando en East Los” at CalState LA’s Fine Art Gallery and “Soñando en Califas” at Eastern Projects in Chinatown’s Blossom Plaza.

DREAMLAND @ MOLAA:

It was a real pleasure to see an LA Chicano artist in MOLAA. Modern Multiples team Lisa Duardo and Montana Mills get an early bird hello in with Romero outside MOLAA by the car show at the Opening Reception on Saturday Feb. 11th, 2017.

Show on exhibition until May 21st. Get your tickets here.

SOÑANDO en EAST LOS @ CSULA FINE ART GALLERY:

CSULA Fine Art Gallery, which recently hosted Modern Multiples’ own “Richard Duardo: Artist and Master Printmaker” in October 2016, now houses a concurrent show of works on paper for Frank Romero. In fact, Romero has produced a lot of limited editions in his life and many were thanks to the many studios Richard Duardo owned and operated. For example, “The Closing of Whittier Boulevard” to the left was printed by Aztlan Multiples, one of Modern Multiples’ predecessors.

This show is still open as well until March 10th, 2017. Free to visit. View location and time availability here.

SOÑANDO en CALIFAS @ EASTERN PROJECTS:

Lastly, a wonderful show that’s already come down, “Soñando en Califas” at Eastern Projects in Chinatown’s Blossom Plaza was a timely show for Romero which preceded the openings at MOLAA and CSULA. The mere fact that Frank had enough artwork to fill Eastern Projects while so much of his body of work was already curated into a museum and a university’s fine art gallery is stunning. His life’s work is a rooted, vibrant depiction of the Los Angeles Chicano experience.

Don’t miss out on attending the retrospectives still on display! He’s surely in another iteration of fame! In his own words, “I’ve been around so long I’ve been famous six times.” Think this makes 7, Frank! Congratulations.

Much of Frank Romero’s limited edition works created at Modern Multiples are available to collect through the Modern Multiples Shop! Take a look and collect yourself a Frank Romero today!

 “The Closing of Whittier Boulevard”

$7,500.

“Arrest of the Paleteros”

$3,200.

“Spitfire”

$600.

“California Palms”

$600.

“Untitled”

$600.

“Modern Multiples Poodle Tribute”

$100.

“Chevy Lowrider”

$800.

Statement of Provenance:

Re: March 6,7,8 2009 Hampton Coliseum, Virginia (3 Colorways)

In January 2009, an order for a few thousand screen printed Phish posters came to Modern Multiples. Modern Multiples hired out a third party screen printer, Superb Graphics, to help fill the order. Since Modern Multiples remained an active party in the creation of this print, Modern Multiples retained several APs (artist proofs) in it’s inventory.

Also, there exist two chops authenticating the prints. “PHISH”, in the shape of a fish, and “House” are both embossed on the bottom right hand corner.

The 3 colorways being sold currently on 1xRun and our Modern Multiples shop are, in fact, authentic prints from the same print run in 2009.

Happy collecting!

EVENT POSTSCRIPT:

Saturday Night was the…

24/7/365 PRINT RELEASE PARTY: Art, Music & Mescal
Saturday, Feb. 25th, 2017
5-6pm Collector Reception
6-10pm Release Party
@ Modern Multiples Fine Art Editions
1714 Albion St., LA, CA  90031

Congratulations to the first 99 people to come to Saturday’s Release Party. They got to take home a Poodle as a gift! Whether you’re ready to invest in your collection or still readying yourself for the plunge you’ll never look back from, Modern Multiples is dedicated to putting fine art multiples in your home!

A Rundown of what happened last night:

“24/7/365 – Art Never Sleeps”

A thank you to all the artists that participated in this Modern Multiples Publishing project titled “24/7/365 – Art Never Sleeps”. It yielded an incredible box set and look how amazing it all looks framed and on display!

Each artist brought their artistry, imagery and creativity to this project and it was a pleasure having each one of them in the studio creating. The artists are as follows.

Top Row (left to right): Jaime “Germs” Zacarias, Carlos Ramirez, David Flores

Bottom Row (left to right): Melly Trochez, Johnny “KMNDZ” Rodriguez, Leo Eguiarte, Miguel Felipe

Community!

Modern Multiples was very proud to host this event that attracted a great community brought together by art! Not only do we want to acknowledge our friends and patrons who showed up on Saturday, but we want to acknowledge the space as the hub of community that it is. We had everyone from our new hot sauce-slangin’ friends at El Machete to our local elote lady Ana bringing the legit bacon-wrapped hot dogs and tacos to our family friend Zhi-Zhi selling girl scout cookies all being supported in the same room!

Sponsors & Entertainment

A big thank you goes out to our sponsored open mezcal bar to Edgar with Cheech Marin’s Tres Papalote Mezcal. Everyone got to try a taste of a delicious spirit. In fact, this Saturday at Ramirez Liquor, Cheech himself will be doing a signing with his Mezcal bottle. Don’t miss out!

The band rocked the house as Eloy Torrez strayed from his usual visual art to provide us live entertainment along with his band, Chiquis and Jose. Thank you guys!

DJ Sheak One also in the house keepin’ it moving all night!

Artwork Available to Collect

Not only did we successfully release 7 original artworks with this 24/7/365 publication, but we still have the entire suite of Poodle Tributes available! Get one today!

Top Row (left to right): Frank Romero, Bob Zoell, Knowledge Bennett

Middle Row (left to right): Tiffany Blake, Richard Duardo (NFS), David Flury

Bottom Row (left to right): Jaime “Germs” Zacarias, Miguel Felipe, John Valadez

And if anyone saw some art they cannot live without, please send all acquisition inquires to print@modernmultiples.com.

For a private viewing of the artwork on display and available through Modern Multiples, please email print@modernmultiples.com!

Please email your favorite photo or two from the night to info@modernmultiples.com. We’ll get the best ones up on our social media. Don’t forget to follow us @ModernMultiples.

Editions of 24 – 7 Artists – $365 Release Price

Join us for an evening of Artwork, Music and Mescal as we release SEVEN brand new, hand-painted editions!

Who / What / When / Where:

Who: Modern Multiples hosts artists (see above), musicians, sponsors (see below), collectors, friends and family (see you there)!

What: A Print Release Party.

Where: 1714 Albion St., Los Angeles, CA 90031

When: Saturday, Feb. 25th, 2017. VIP Reception 5pm (please RSVP to print@modernmultiples.com), 6-10pm Open Invitation!

Why…: A group production, “24/7/365 – Art Never Sleeps” is a declaration by both artist and print house that creativity and craftsmanship are unceasing forces that feed insatiable cultural and creative appetites. Modern Multiples invited 7 artists to be published in a box set together. This weekend we present to you the finished project.

Please visit the Shop to view the 12 available Box Sets!

Each only $2500 for 7 original Mixed Media Serigraphs plus the archival screen printed box.

Individual works available from the artists for $365 each.

Artists: Leo Eguiarte, Miguel Felipe, David Flores, Carlos Ramirez, Johnny “KMNDZ” Rodriguez, Melly Trochez, Jaime “Germs” Zacarias

Thank you to our participating sponsors: Cheech Marin’s Tres Papalote Mescal & El Machete Salsas

Music provided by:

DJ Sheak One

&

Eloy, Chiquis, and Jose

Come enjoy some Mescal, Music, & Art with us!

Modern Multiples will be saying goodbye to it’s East-Side Studio with an open gallery sale, tributing Richard Duardo. The event is Saturday, March 7, from 12pm-7:00pm. MM will be showcasing Richard Duardo’s works, along with tribute pieces that friends and family members have made honoring the Man, the Myth, the Legend, Richard Duardo. The gallery will be curated by Rolo Castillo, and hosted by Lisa Duardo. There will be amazing art, food, music, and free parking. So come and show your support, we’d love to see you there!

Please Note: Modern Multiples West-Side Studio is still printing and publishing as normal. HERE!

Event Info

• Date: Saturday, March 7, 2015
• Time: 12pm-7pm
• Location: 1735 N Main St. Los Angeles, CA. HERE!

___________________________________________________________________

Please Follow:

• Modern Multiples Facebook: Click Here!
• Richard Duardo’s Facebook: Click Here!

Modern Multiples will continue carrying on Richard’s vision and legacy of publishing and making art. Thank you for all the love and support, you have given the studio.

• If you’d like to pay your respects, share stories, and share photos of Richard Duardo, please email richardonefourthree@gmail.com. Your stories and memories will be archived in a book for Modern Multiples and the Duardo Family.

Estampas de la Raza: Contemporary Prints from the Romo Collection
February 7 – May 23, 2015
Large Gallery
Opening Reception: Saturday, February 7, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Admission and events are free and open to the public. Guided tours can be arranged by appointment.

Estampas de la Raza: Contemporary Prints from the Romo Collection is a traveling exhibition surveying an extensive collection of Chicana/o prints that will come to Los Angeles and be on view at the Vincent Price Art Museum at East Los Angeles College click here. This impressive collection of serigraphs and lithographs is owned by McNay Museum in San Antonio, TX, and was donated to the McNay by Texas-based art collectors Drs. Ricardo and Harriet Romo. Estampas de la Raza: Contemporary Prints from the Romo Collection opens on February 7, and continues
through May 23, 2015. The opening reception will take place on Saturday, February 7, 4:00-6:00 p.m., and is free to all. VPAM presents Estampas de la Raza: Contemporary Prints from the Romo Collection, a survey of printmaking, including more than sixty works from 1984 to 2011 by forty-four artists, chronicling Latina/o and Chicana/o experience in the United States. Printmaking transformed across the boundaries of the contemporary art world and into the realm of social change and activism during the Chicano Movement of the 1970s, when prints became a recognizable political gesture. Exploring Chicano/Latino printmaking from the 1960s to the 2000s, the survey examines the intersections of culture through the lenses of “identity,” “struggle,” “tradition, culture, and memory,” “icons,” and “other voices.” Together, the Estampas collection functions as a composite representation of the complex narrative of the community’s political and creative movement for social, economic, and political equity. Artists represented in the survey include Sam Coronado, Richard Duardo, Gronk, Ester Hernández, Luis Jiménez, César Martínez, Alex Rubio, Patssi Valdez, and Vincent Valdez, among others whose work has been featured recently at VPAM like Sonia Romero and Jaime “Germs” Zacarias. A proverbial “visual feast,” the exhibition stimulates a critical awareness of a particular history and culture through the collection of work featuring a range of icons and voices. The collectors’ deep appreciation for the print medium positions each piece within the context of its history, while broadening and adding to the historical narrative of the culture. Chicana/o printmaking recontextualized the print medium and blended the influences of American pop art from the late 50s and early 60s with traditional Mexican culture. During the early 1970s, the accessibility to art and culture was revolutionized in the Chicana/o community through the manifestation of different local creative hubs. It was the simplicity of production through the use of minimal and inexpensive materials that motivated some of the community’s early printmaking endeavors. Organizations
such as East Los Angeles’s influential community-based printmaking atelier, Self Help Graphics & Art, as well as Richard Duardo’s Los Angeles print shop, Modern Multiples, provided a space for art to function as a mechanism for community building. Collectors began to acquire Chicana/o prints in the 1980s, when posters became more aestheticized and in dialogue with mainstream contemporary art movements.

The exhibition is a celebration of the recent gift given to the McNay Museum in San Antonio by Drs. Harriett and Ricardo Romo. Spanning more than four decades of art collecting, the Romos are among the most important collectors of Chicano art in the United States. As long-time educators, the Romos aim to share these works with others, especially students, in hope of providing viewers with a relational narrative and a personal feeling of
empowerment. “They have amassed one of the largest selections of Chicana/o art not because they were wealthy with disposable income, but because they saw its importance from the very beginning. They felt that art reflected their lives, that it was empowering; for this reason, they made it their commitment to share this work with others,” explains Carlos Francisco Jackson, Assistant Professor, Department of Chicano/a Studies, UC Davis in the prologue of the catalogue that accompanies the exhibition.

Former Angelenos and UCLA alumni, the Romos have made great contributions to the field of Chicano Studies; they have both integrated arts education into their academic disciplines, history and sociology, respectively. Dr. Ricardo Romo currently holds the position of president at the University of Texas, San Antonio. Romo authored the 1983 publication, East Los Angeles: History of a Barrio after receiving his PhD in history from UCLA (1975). Dr. Harriet Romo is Professor of Sociology at University of Texas, San Antonio.

Publication:
A beautifully illustrated exhibition catalogue featuring a prologue by Carlos Francisco Jackson, an introduction by
Harriett and Ricardo Romo, and essay by curator Lyle Williams, will be available for purchase at the Vincent Price
Art Museum.

Public Programming:
Saturday, February 7, 2 to 4 p.m. Join Chicano/a art collectors Drs. Harriet and Ricardo Romo for a conversation
with several of the artists from Estampas de la Raza: Contemporary Prints from the Romo Collection.

Contact:
Vincent Price Art Museum | East Los Angeles College
Hours: Tue. Wed. Fri. Sat. 12:00 – 4:00 p.m., Thu. 12:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Tel: (323) 265-8841 | Fax: (323) 260-8173 | Email: vincentpriceartmuseum@elac.edu
Web: click here