Insects
Ed Ruscha’s Insects print series, made in 1972, includes Black Ants, Cockroaches, Flies, Red Ants, Swarm of Red Ants, and Pearl Dust Combination. Delving into the minutiae of the insect world, Ruscha challenges our perceptions of beauty, abstraction and realism.
Ed Ruscha Insects For sale
Insects Value (5 Years)
With £12409 in the past 12 months, Ed Ruscha's Insects series is one of the most actively traded in the market. Prices have varied significantly – from £516 to £5042 – driven by fluctuations in factors like condition, provenance, and market timing. Over the past 12 months, the average selling price was £2068, with an average annual growth rate of 6.25% across the series.
Insects Market value
Auction Results
| Artwork | Auction Date | Auction House | Return to Seller | Hammer Price | Buyer Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Pearl Dust Combination Ed Ruscha Signed Print | 13 May 2025 | Lama | £1,785 | £2,100 | £2,850 |
 Flies Ed Ruscha Signed Print | 8 Apr 2025 | Bonhams Los Angeles | £1,658 | £1,950 | £2,500 |
 Black Ants Ed Ruscha Signed Print | 29 Mar 2025 | Bukowskis, Stockholm | £638 | £750 | £950 |
 Red Ants Ed Ruscha Signed Print | 15 May 2024 | Los Angeles Modern Auctions | £1,658 | £1,950 | £2,600 |
 Swarm Of Red Ants Ed Ruscha Signed Print | 22 Sept 2021 | Bonhams Knightsbridge | £1,700 | £2,000 | £2,550 |
 Cockroaches Ed Ruscha Signed Print | 27 Mar 2021 | Cottone Auctions | £2,083 | £2,450 | £2,900 |
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Meaning & Analysis
The Insects series by Ed Ruscha offers a profound exploration into the themes of nature, observation, and the often ambiguous line between attraction and repulsion. By choosing subjects traditionally considered pests, such as ants, cockroaches, and flies, Ruscha compels the viewer to confront their preconceptions and to see beyond the immediate reaction of disgust, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the complexity and beauty of these creatures.
Ruscha's approach to depicting insects is marked by a meticulous attention to detail and a subtle playfulness, inviting a closer inspection of his subjects and their surroundings.
“My work comes out of abstract art and that this work is really no exception. I keep thinking of a shotgun blast because most of these works appear to be that way. When you put them up on a wall and look at them, they kind of have that randomness that I appreciated, and I think that’s where that came from.” - Ed Ruscha.
Pearl Dust Combination stands out within the series for its abstract qualities, merging the tangible with the intangible and pushing the boundaries of how insects are represented and perceived in art. This piece, in particular, exemplifies Ruscha’s ability to transcend literal representation, inviting interpretations that encompass broader reflections on existence, cohabitation, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
The series can be understood as a commentary on the act of looking and the importance of noticing the often invisible or ignored aspects of our environment. Ruscha’s Insects draw attention to the overlooked beauty in the natural world, challenging the viewer to reconsider their relationship with nature and its myriad forms.
