Artists I love - Robert Rauschenberg

I discovered the work of Robert Rauschenberg about 8 years ago when studying for my degree in printed textiles (was it that long ago!?).  I adore his work today as much as I did when I first opened the book; I could stare at his art for hours.  He has an amazing eye for image placement, and..............space.  I have never searched for meaning in his work, that is just me.  I rarely read into the hidden meanings in art, maybe I am shallow but it is the effect that art has on my eyes that I love.  Colour, use of pattern, image transfer and collage, negative space.  I have yet to see his work in person and look forward to the day when it is in front of me.

Comments

[gracia]

One of my faves too...
I can't believe it's been nearly ten years since I finished my fine art degree either... where did the time go?
take care, grache

[lisa s]

oh yeah nebo.... have you ever seen any of his zipper pieces? of course those get to me!

thanks for reminding me of mr. rauchenburg.... :)

[the sapient pig]

i really liked what you said about how you feel about art - it's all about the effect of the visual encounter on the senses for me.

hmmm, 12 years since graduation for me...ug.

[Amanda Woodward]

he's so wonderful. Each semester at the beginning of painting we watch a video of him in his Florida studio..its so amazing. It makes me want to paint nonstop & create amazing combines!!

[susan]

I've loved his work since I was a kid...like 7 or so. The first time I saw one of his combines, I wanted to go home, take all my dad's office paper, and try to make my own...not an 'I could do that' feeling....more of an 'I WANT to do that" feeling. Fast forward 9 years and 2 art schools for me... haha. thanks Robert!

Another movie w. fabulous footage of him is "Painters Painting" about Abs. expressionists in 1950s NYC. Black and white...v.cool.

[Jen]

I completely understand what you mean regarding letting your eye absorb the piece of work and almost shutting of your mind – not over thinking it – but letting the colors, form and movement transport you. I am obsessed with Abstract Impressionism right now and can’t stop staring at the Franz Kline I have as wallpaper on my computer – his work is utterly absorbing.

{As a side note – I just saw an ad in the new Dwell magazine that LA’s MOCA is showing his Combines collection in late May through September!}

[natalie]

Thanks for the comments everyone!

It is nice to know that I am not the only one counting the years since leaving college/uni/art school.

Lisa – I have never seen any of his zipper pieces, I will have to do a search on this

Gracia & Sharon – it’s been 5 years since I graduated, then I went on to study a masters in Multimedia. I have spent so much time in education, I thought at one point I was addicted to being a student, either that or a huge avoidance of getting a job!

Amanda & Susan – I am intrigued by the films you talk about. I have never seen Mr Rauschenberg at work and I really want to now!

Jen – I too love the abstract expressionists! I will be featuring the work of current artist whose work really reminds me of the AE work. You will love her work I am sure

[Randel]

I have been a Rauschenberg fan a very long time. I have never seen these works before. They are wonderful. I don't think that his work has any deep meaning. I think that his work is about the placment of objects side by side and how the objects inform each other.

r.

[jenny vorwaller]

in person, i want to stand in front of them forever.

[Hanna]

I'm in love too now. any links or book titles that you suggest to know /see more?