Authors-signed pop art artist's book, BUSINESS CARDS, first edition, by Edward Ruscha and Billy Al Bengston, self-published, Los Angeles, 1968. Softcover octavo, 13 pages illustrated with reproductions of black and white photographs by Larry Bell and Ken Price with English text, Ruscha's and Bengston's business cards stapled to last page, bound in faux wood wrappers with brown leather ties, front cover with a black-and-white photograph dated January 3, 1968, mounted in black photo corners and signed "B. A. B." and "Ed Ruscha." 9" H x 5 3/4" W x 1/8" D. Biography: "Artist Ed Ruscha [b. Dec 16, 1937] became well known in the late 1950s when he began making small collages using images and words taken from everyday sources such as advertisements. His interest in the everyday led to him using the cityscape of his adopted hometown Los Angeles–a source of inspiration he has returned to again and again. Ruscha often combines images of the city with words and phrases from everyday language to communicate a particular urban experience. [His] use of the imagery and techniques seen in commercial art such as advertising and his interest in popular culture and the everyday, connects him directly with pop art. He was also very influential to the development of conceptual art through his depiction of words and phrases, and his books of deadpan photographs characterized by their low key humor." (Source: The Tate Museum). Billy Al Bengston, whom Ruscha regarded as mentor (the Los Angeles Times, March 7, 2019) was an American visual artist best known for his works that called to mind California's "Kustom" car and motorcycle subculture, including spray painting layers of automobile lacquer in fine art, psychedelic colors and mandela like shapes. He passed away Oct. 8, 2022 at the age of 88.

CONDITION: Covers with creases, primarily to edges, and some small stains/spots; 1/4" tears to areas surrounding leather ties; corners are bumped. Signatures are in good, legible condition. Pages with light toning, primarily to edges, some creases to business cards, some minor staining to pages from staples.