Approximately Blue is immensely proud to present MYSTERIES for purchase. This print signifies the revival of Ed Ruscha’s collaboration with the legendary master printmaker, Steven M. Andersen—a dear friend and long-time associate of the artist. Their dedication to pushing the boundaries of printmaking continues to inspire us, and we are thrilled to share their extraordinary creations with you.

The creation of MYSTERIES posed an incredible challenge, involving the generation of twelve aluminum lithographic plates and the near-impossible task of executing their printing. The print features two red background plates and two black image plates, all printed one on top of the other. Additionally, there are eight color plates for generating the lettering, all printed on white paper only. This technique, known as ‘island printing’, ensures that each color stands alone on the print paper and only ‘just touches’ other images. The process of making the plates was akin to solving a complex jigsaw puzzle, with each of the lettering plates fitting together in a final configuration that prevented any overlap. This was crucial to avoid any darkened edges or outlines that could occur due to the transparency of lithographic ink. The printing was carried out on a hand-fed flatbed offset lithographic press, a marvel of technical precision. This press, with its intricate system of rollers and platens, facilitated the careful placement and printing of each plate, resulting in the stunning artwork that is MYSTERIES. Measuring 30.75 inches (78.1 cm) in height by 30 inches (76.2 cm) in width, this hand-pulled twelve-color lithograph on entrada paper is in pristine condition as it has never been owned, loaned, or publicly exhibited. All the prints from this edition have been kept guarded from prying eyes, safely tucked away in a controlled climate, in the studio of the artist’s master printmaker in Minneapolis. Produced over several months and signed on November 12, 2021, this edition is comprised of 75 numbered prints, 15 artist’s proofs, 5 printer’s proofs, and 1 B.A.T. proof. Accompanied by a documentation sheet issued by the master printmaker’s studios, all works are signed, dated, and bear Vermillion Editions Limited’s chop mark. If you’d like to delve deeper into the art of Ed Ruscha and learn more about the artist, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. We trust you will derive as much pleasure from these remarkable works as we do!