Artist's Account: Five Car Stud

In 1969, Edward Kienholz began working on Five Car Stud. This written account is part of what he called a "pictorial chronology" of the project. It describes how he conceived of the piece, the process of its planning and construction, the models he used to cast the various figures, and his concept of "the artistic and social implications it might represent."

Kienholz's firsthand account and an extensive collection of photographs made at the time are on display as part of the exhibition of Five Car Stud at LACMA.

Download the artist's account. (PDF)

Typed manuscript by Edward Kienholz describing the process of creating Five Car Stud from Documentation Book for Five Car Stud Tableau and The Sawdy Edition, 1971, Ink on paper, photographs, and newspaper, edition 41/75, Produced by Gemini G.E.L., Collection of Margo H. Leavin.