I will rely heavily on my artist friends to chime in on this one, because surely they have spent time studying what Rauschenberg was about. I read a few bios and other write ups, in addition to some samples of the guys art and found a couple of things that were really interesting to me. A full bio is available here for those with interest beyond this extremely limited assessment. The essence of what he was about seems to be rooted in his distaste for the seriousness of the abstract expressionalist movement that was in its prime when Rauschenberg moved to New York in the early 1950's. Instead of adapting to this movement, he found his own way in the art world incorporating pop culture into his pieces. He is also well know for introducing found objects into the art-making process, which he referred to simply as combines. This technique seems to be a critical part to this day in the work of some friends, and favorite artists of my own. My personal interest in the artist was not sparked initially by viewing his art, but more by some of his personal quotes in reference to the art making process. I found the following quotes to be relevant to all areas of art-making, not just the visual arts. Some of my favorites:
"People ask me, 'Don't you ever run out of ideas?' In the first place I don't use ideas. Every time I have an idea it's too limiting, and usually turns out to be a disappointment. But I haven't run out of curiosity."And some of his art that I found particulary stimulating:
"Screwing things up is a virtue. Being correct is never the point. Being right can stop all the momentum of a very interesting idea.”
and the very uplifting..."I feel as though the world is a friendly boy walking along in the sun."
