1967–1970
Self-imposed exile from painting: gunpowder and graphite drawings
During a period of self-imposed exile from painting (1967–1970) he makes gunpowder and graphite drawings: single words in a trompe l'oeil technique, as if formed from ribbons of curling paper.
1970
The “Chocolate Room” at the Venice Biennale
Ruscha represents the United States at the Venice Biennale as part of a survey of American printmaking with an on-site workshop, and constructs “Chocolate Room”: 360 sheets of paper permeated with chocolate hang like shingles on the gallery walls, and the pavilion smells like a chocolate factory. In 2003 the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles acquires the installation (then worth about $1.5 million).
1970
Joins the Leo Castelli Gallery
He joins the Leo Castelli Gallery; his first solo exhibition there will come only in 1973.
30 June 1972 – 8 October 1972
Exhibition: Documenta 5
1972–1978
Separation and divorce from Danna
In 1972 Ruscha and Danna separate, in 1976 they file for divorce and in 1978 they divorce; during the time they are apart he dates the actresses Candy Clark, Samantha Eggar, Diane Keaton, Lauren Hutton and Michelle Phillips.
February 1973
First solo exhibition at Leo Castelli
His first solo exhibition at the Leo Castelli Gallery in New York opens — the gallery he has been with since 1970.