Robert Rauschenberg

Definition

Robert Rauschenberg was an American artist known for his innovative and influential works that blurred the boundaries between painting and sculpture, primarily through his 'Combines' which incorporated everyday objects and materials. His approach is often associated with the Neo-Dada movement, emphasizing spontaneity and the use of found materials, and he played a crucial role in transitioning from Abstract Expressionism to Pop Art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rauschenberg's 'Combines' often included items like newspapers, fabric, and even taxidermy animals, showcasing his belief that art should reflect everyday life.
2. He was a pivotal figure in the shift away from Abstract Expressionism, introducing a more accessible, playful style that paved the way for Pop Art.
3. Rauschenberg collaborated with many prominent artists and performers, including John Cage and Merce Cunningham, reflecting his belief in interdisciplinary approaches to art.
4. His famous piece 'Erased de Kooning Drawing' involved erasing a drawing by Willem de Kooning, demonstrating Rauschenberg's concept of artistic creation as an act of negation.
5. Rauschenberg was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1993, recognizing his significant contributions to contemporary art over his long career.

Review Questions

• How did Robert Rauschenberg's work challenge traditional definitions of art and contribute to the development of new artistic movements?
  • Robert Rauschenberg's work fundamentally challenged traditional definitions of art by combining various mediums and everyday objects in ways that blurred the lines between painting and sculpture. His 'Combines' not only incorporated materials like fabric and newspaper but also emphasized spontaneity and chance, reflecting Neo-Dada ideas. This approach helped pave the way for Pop Art by making art more accessible and relatable to the public, ultimately reshaping how artists viewed their materials and subjects.
• Discuss how Rauschenberg's collaboration with other artists influenced the direction of American art in the 20th century.
  • Rauschenberg's collaborations with other artists, musicians, and choreographers created a cross-pollination of ideas that significantly influenced American art. His partnerships with figures like John Cage and Merce Cunningham exemplified the blending of visual art with performance and music, which expanded artistic boundaries. This collaborative spirit contributed to the evolution of interdisciplinary art practices in the 20th century and encouraged other artists to explore beyond traditional forms.
• Evaluate the impact of Robert Rauschenberg's 'Erased de Kooning Drawing' on perceptions of authorship and creativity in art.
  • 'Erased de Kooning Drawing' had a profound impact on perceptions of authorship and creativity in art by suggesting that creation could also involve destruction or negation. By erasing a work by Willem de Kooning, Rauschenberg challenged conventional notions of artistic genius and originality. This act raised questions about what constitutes art: Is it merely the creation of something new, or can it also involve recontextualizing or removing existing works? This has had lasting implications on contemporary discussions about authorship in art.

Related terms

Combines: A term coined by Rauschenberg to describe his works that merge painting and sculpture by incorporating non-traditional materials and found objects.

Neo-Dada: An art movement that emerged in the 1950s characterized by its playful approach to art-making and its incorporation of everyday materials, challenging conventional aesthetics.

Pop Art:

An art movement that emerged in the late 1950s that embraced imagery from popular culture, mass media, and consumerism, often using bright colors and bold graphics.