From the Archive
Letter and brochure for Al's Grand Hotel, May 2, 1971, designed by Allen Ruppersberg. Offset lithograph brochure, typed letter (signed). © Allen Ruppersberg. The Getty Research Institute, Gift of Michael Asher, 2009.M.30.2
On View at the Getty Center: Greetings from L.A.: Artists and Publics 1950-1980
Beginning in the 1960s, select Los Angeles artists began to mimic the look and feel of commercial marketing strategies by treating viewers as consumers. For Al’s Grand Hotel, Allen Ruppersberg took over a two-story house located at 7175 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, and converted it into a fully-functioning hotel for a little over a month in 1971. Before its opening, Ruppersberg sent out mailers with a brochure advertising the hotel’s uniquely decorated and named rooms, such as the Jesus Room and the Bridal Suite. The hotel also hosted Saturday evening concerts by artists such as Ruppersberg’s friend and fellow Chouinard alum, Terry Allen.
Works of Art
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Greetings from L.A.: A Novel, 1972, Allen Ruppersberg. Offset lithograph. Self-published book. 8 x 5 1/4 x 11/16 in. The Getty Research Institute, 90-B12310.c1. © Allen Ruppersberg
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Gonna California, 1969, recorded by Terry Allen. Vinyl record (45rpm). 6 7/8 in. diameter. The Getty Research Institute, Allan Kaprow Papers, 980063.180. © Terry Allen, Green Shoes Publishing, BMI, Administered by BUG Music
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Al's Grand Hotel catalog, 1971, Allen Ruppersberg. Offset lithograph. 9 x 6 x 1/16 in. The Getty Research Institute, 94-B15837. © Allen Ruppersberg
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24 Pieces, 1970, Allen Ruppersberg. Spiral-bound offset lithograph. Self-published book. 6 1/4 x 8 1/4 in. The Getty Research Institute, 89-B22093.c1. © Allen Ruppersberg
Explore the Archive
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Video: Discover how L.A. artists of the 1960s and 1970s appropriated commercial culture
