A Tribute to the Life of Robert Rauschenberg (1925–2008)
This blog is dedicated to the memory of artist Robert Rauschenberg. Visitors to this blog are invited to participate in the artist’s favorite activity—collaboration—by contributing their own Rauschenberg-related photos, encounters, remembrances, or other relevant anecdotes, which will be posted here and in the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum on the gallery’s “muse wall,” thus becoming part of the album of the artist’s life. Robert Rauschenberg, perhaps the greatest American artist of the second half of the twentieth century and a man of tremendous spirit and generosity, passed away on May 12, 2008.
October 29th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Nearly twelve years ago Bob Rauschenberg touched my pregnant wife’s belly while autographing a catalog for her at his opening of sculptures at MOCA in Miami. As always, Bob joked with my wife that it was difficult for him to sign the book in the dark courtyard, but that my wife obviously had no problem doing things in the dark!
Today our special and beautiful girl is studying, blossoming and excelling at dance in her Middle School Arts Magnet Program. We are convinced that Bob had a hand (literally!) in helping our daughter succeed and accomplish so much artistically.
Bob has touched our family’s lives and of course the lives of others. We will miss him terribly but with love, all things endure and though he has passed from this earth, he will live on in the world, art, lives and hearts of those who loved him.
We are forever grateful to him and may god bless his soul and spirit for all of the generous good he has done for the world.
Rick Sherman, Artist/Photographer/Percussionist
October 29th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
I first saw a Rauschenburg at Berlin’s Hamburger Bahnhoff Museum in the spring of 2007. His work (with the image of JFK, and astronauts on the moon) stirred my interest and captivated me. At that moment, he became my favorite artist, and has remained so. I was very sad to hear of his passing, but grateful for experiencing his work and legacy while he lived.
October 31st, 2008 at 1:26 pm
I don’t remember the first time I saw RR’s work in person, but I do remember it was at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford. Two things I thought at the time: wow and how did he do that? the process?
the thrill is still there when I see his work now–just last week, at the SFMOMA, the bed piece. wow.
I am an artist and since a very young age I have been fascinated with/by artists, their work and their lives. Any biography / history about art since 1948 has a thread of RR’s life throughout it–and so many connections to so many other things that have intrigued me over the years.
I’m 45 now, and I rarely say I wish I could have… but RR and his work make me wish I could have been around when Black Mountain was happening to see and experience the nexus of what would become so much.
I’m sorry I never got to meet him in person, but I have seen his work in person and that will always be there to go back to.
October 31st, 2008 at 2:22 pm
These are wonderful anecdotes and memories. I participated in Tania Grossman’s Bay Shore home where Bob and others made the lithographs, one of which hangs in my sister’s home. I followed his career and the marvelous works, even seeming him on roller blades in the first happenings. I admire his gift, and dedication, and know he has contributed much to our appreciation of art. Recently, in a gallery of 57th street, I was quickly drawn to a recent work, and of course found it outstanding among the rest. It is odd to reflect on the gift he has given, and how it has permeated our lives.
November 6th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
I am a fan of art, precisely abstract art. I like his Works simply because I had seen some interest in them. I really will appreciate it if we are given more opportunities like this.