MoMA Exclusive: "I just happened to paint words like someone else paints flowers," says artist Ed Ruscha. In this case, the word is OOF, from his 1962 painting of the same name, an artwork in MoMA's collection. The work—"the single word, its guttural monosyllabic pronunciation, that's what I was passionate about"—has been reproduced on this Champion Hoodie, with its famous bright yellow letters. The artwork's brilliant blue takes over the rest of the sweatshirt. The MoMA logo appears on the hoodie's right sleeve, while the Champion logo appears on the left. Champion first produced their hooded sweatshirts in the 1930s to keep athletes warm during training. Our version has "MoMA" appliquéd in classic college-style lettering. An original version of the Champion Hoodie from the 1980s is an object in MoMA's collection. The Ed Ruscha Champion Hoodie is made from 80% cotton and 20% polyester. Available in sizes Small through X-Large. ED RUSCHA / NOW THEN —the most comprehensive presentation of the artist's work, and his first solo exhibition at MoMA—is on view from September 10, 2023 through January 13, 2024.
