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Robert Rauschenberg, born during 1925 in Port Arthur, Texas is considered one of the “Great American Artists.” This abstract impressionist took a modernist approach to ventures as a multi-media artist. He would often get his audience in frenzy by “going against the grain” with his works.
“I don’t want my personality to come out through the piece,” Rauschenberg explained, “ . . . I want my paintings to be reflections of life . . . your self-visualization is a reflection of your surroundings.”
Though, by definition, this artist is a painter by all means, he tried desperately to work in a three dimensional fashion. His works portray that of both a sculptor and a painter, only the mixing of media often transformed each piece into an abstract of unique proportions. He became known for these daring experiments and was often referred to as “the jokester” or “biggest joke” of the art world by many of the harshest critics.
Rauchenberg’s works of art developed into more of a sculptural mess than paintings over time. His style, though mocked by many, soon became copied and admired. The abstract imagery often difficult to ascertain by the audience is also what often captivated their attention. No details or much thought, it appeared, was what was the refreshing changed in comparison to other artists of his time period.
His work as an artist never stopped, despite the many changes and challenges throughout his lifetime. He served from 1942 to 1945 in the U.S. Navy Reserve. It was during this experience that he created the famous “Shelter Drawings,” for which he became known. Two years following his service, during 1947, he attended the Academie Julian in Paris. From there, during 1948 to 1950, he attended the Black Mountain College in North Carolina.
Many considered him to be a sort of Renaissance man when it came to the arts because he was very versatile in his choices for both creation and expressing himself:
- Painted with oils
- Sculpted with “junk” and other debris he found inspiring
- Made prints for frescos and other artistic pursuits
- photographer
- choreographer
- performer
- scientific collaborator
During the early 1950’s, Rauchenberg bridged the gap between pop art and abstract expressionism by creating “combines.” Combines are pieces of sculpture created from pieces of “junk” and, later, silk over lays. He preferred this type of artwork to drawing, which he rejected early in his career. This type of art form is his own invention and soon became what he is known for as an artist.
"Painting relates to both art and life. Neither can be made. I try to act in that gap between the two. A pair of socks is no less suitable to make a painting with than wood, nails, turpentine, oil, and fabric." -- Robert Rauschenberg
Rauchenberg created his first combine in 1953. It consisted of both oil paints and objects placed on canvas. He also took a different approach to fresco painting during his experimentation. He reproduced photos with solvent vegetable dies and pressed these prints into wet plaster surfaces. Many skilled and amateur artists around the world have since adopted this unique fresco style.
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