Honoring Robert Rauschenberg

We commemorate American artist Robert Rauschenberg (1925, Port Arthur, TX – 2008, Captiva, FL) on his 100th birthday, celebrating his spirit of curiosity, expansive creativity, and commitment to change.

Rauschenberg left an indelible mark on the art world, forging a legacy of radical innovation that continues to influence contemporary artists. His innovative use of diverse materials and techniques reflected his belief that art should be part of the real world, famously stating that "painting relates to both art and life." He worked extensively in painting, sculpture, collage, photography, and printmaking, often combining them in innovative ways. His collaborations were also central to his practice, notably with avant-garde figures like composer John Cage, choreographer Merce Cunningham, and fellow artists Jasper Johns and Cy Twombly. These collaborations pushed the boundaries of what art could be, exploring performance, dance, and the integration of sound and movement into artistic experiences.

The full breadth of Rauschenberg’s transdisciplinary and collaborative practice, as well as his wide-ranging and enduring commitment to philanthropy, are not widely known. Through Change, Inc., for example, he helped other artists with emergency expenses and, following his experience during his first trip to China in 1982, he developed Rauschenberg Overseas Culture Interchange (ROCI). Intended to bring people closer through art and promote cross-cultural understanding, ROCI became an active global program of travelling exhibitions and dialogue for almost ten years.

He would receive the National Medal of Arts in 1993.