Description:

This compelling collection features a set of four American National Phone Cards, each approximately 5 by 7 inches. Dominating the design is a provocative artwork by Rodney Van Worth, which presents a chaotic, symbolic scene linked to the infamous O.J. Simpson trial. The striking image depicts a football helmet marked with the number "32," Simpson's iconic jersey number, juxtaposed against a graphic portrayal of bloodied scissors—symbolic of knife wounds—highlighting the brutal murders at the heart of the case. Handwritten words and phrases such as “Repent,” “Innocent until proven guilty,” and “Good Luck” are overlaid, capturing the tension, hope, and anguish surrounding the courtroom spectacle. The text reflects the national outrage over the verdict and explores themes of judgment, innocence, guilt, and the complex justice system, narrating the broader cultural and political drama of the trial.

On the reverse side, these collectible cards feature detailed instructions for using the card for phone services, adding a quirky, functional element that elevates the piece from mere artwork to memorabilia. Each card bears a unique serial number (in this example, "227" out of 500), emphasizing its status as a limited, numbered edition. The artist’s signature alongside the serial number affirms its authenticity and rarity, appealing to collectors interested in the intersection of pop culture, sports infamy, and avant-garde art. The contrast between the emotionally charged front artwork and the mundane technical details on the back reflects the media circus surrounding Simpson’s trial, blending commercialism with social commentary.

Additional promotional materials provide further context about the project, titled “The Courthouse Spectacle: Art, Politics, and Commerce at the O.J. Simpson Trial.” This situates the phone cards within a broader artistic critique of the media frenzy that surrounded the case. Rodney Van Worth, an accomplished artist with a background spanning abstract to pop art styles, is credited with transforming this controversial legal saga into a powerful visual statement. His work taps into society’s morbid fascination with celebrity, true crime, and media spectacle, evoking both the gruesome nature of the charges and the polarized public reaction. This limited edition series captures a moment where justice, fame, and commerce collide, serving as a historical snapshot of that tumultuous intersection.

Finally, a background brochure highlights these cards as some of the world’s earliest signed and numbered art print phone cards. It discusses Van Worth’s broader body of work and the inspiration behind these pieces, framing the Simpson trial portraits as both a critique and a cultural time capsule. The art explores darker themes of death, guilt, and media manipulation beyond the sensational trial itself. With production limited to just 500 cards—and only 227 shown here—these works have become rare, highly sought-after collector’s items. The intense imagery—featuring the football helmet, references to knife wounds, and raw emotional scribbles—combined with the official autograph, offers a profound commentary on the societal impact of the trial, raising timeless questions about justice, legality, and the downfall of celebrity.

Since we have the world's largest inventory of USA phonecards for collectors, you will not necessarily receive the identical serial/batch/PIN number that we have scanned/pictured.