Robert Rauschenberg
b. 1925 – d. 2008
It is never easy to gauge the global impact of an artist like Robert Rauschenberg. He was born in Port Arthur, Texas, and studied at the Kansas City Art Institute, Academie Julian in Paris, and the innovative Black Mountain College, where he was taught by artist Josef Albers. Rauschenberg's mentors and collaborators also included composer John Cage, artist Cy Twombly, choreographer Merce Cunningham, and artist Jasper Johns.
Rauschenberg's work has undeniably changed the landscape of contemporary art. He embraces materials previously thought outside of an artist's typical reach, and through his range of mediums, including sculpture, painting, prints, photography, and performance, he demonstrates a unique sense of egalitarianism towards artwork.
His work bears witness to his time in history by making bold commentaries on pop culture and deviating from the gestural abstract expressionist. He challenged the expressionist movement on the premise that "Painting relates to both art and life," and incorporated everyday objects into his art - thus originating "combine" artwork, which intertwines painting and sculpture. In all, the ethos of Rauschenberg's work makes him a reflection and touchstone for the present day.
Broken Heart / Untitled (Harp), PP, Ed./500, 1989, color screenprint on cream wove paper, 36 x 32 in.
Street Sounds West, PP, Ed./37, 1993, Photogravure in colors with Chine colle on Gampi paper with full margins, 54.75 x 33.25 in.
Sling-Shots Lit #3, Ed. 23/25, 1985, lithograph & screenprint on paper & assemblage with Sailcloth, Mylar, Wooden lightbox, fluorescent fixture, aluminum moveable window shade system and Plexiglas, 84.5 x 50.25 x 12.5 in
Untitled, 1989, acrylic and solvent transfer on handmade paper, 14 x 10.125 in
Untitled, RR88.D15, 1988, acrylic, fabric, solvent transfer and pencil on rag board, 28.5 x 22 in. SOLD
Untitled, 1994, inkjet dye transfer on paper, 22.5 x 16 in SOLD
Gossip, (Marrakitch), 2000, Ed. 21/50, multi-color screenprint, 29.85 x 22"
Swim, ROCI USA (Wax Fire Works), A/P 3/5, Ed. 22, 1990, Acrylic, fire wax and variegated brass leaf on stainless steel, 72.75 x 96.75 in. SOLD
Back Out, (SOLD) 1979, Ed./100, Lithograph, 30.5 x 23”
Party (SOLD) Color lithograph signed with thumbprint and numbered 57/60, 45 in. x 30 in.
Glint, 1984. (SOLD) Color offset lithograph and collage, 42.5 in. × 45.5”