Robert Rauschenberg

Rauschenberg, White Painting, 1951

When I first read that Rauschenberg presented seven blank panels entitled White Painting with absolutely no image or detectable marks I thought, "Oh no, not one of those painters." I have never understood canvases filled with a solid color or blank space, and I'm not sure I ever will. But after looking at some of his other work, I'm willing to let those pieces slide.

Without even knowing much about him, I already know I like Rauschenberg's attitude. He's charismatic, supportive of other artists, and doesn't seem to care if he's not making money or using "ugly" objects. I especially enjoyed this quote of his: "I really feel sorry for people who think things like soap dishes or mirrors or Coke bottles are ugly, because they're surrounded by things like that all day long, and it must make them miserable." We see so many things on a daily basis that wouldn't offend us walking down the street, but when placed in an art gallery, they suddenly seem like personal attacks. They become absurd, menacing or ugly because they've been taken out of their original, usually unnoticeable, context. Rauschenberg's Monogram is a perfect example. Individually, a quilt, a tire, and a stuffed goat (unless you're an extreme animal activist) would not be offensive or ridiculous. Put them together, however, and the artist will be faced with ridicule and concern for his unattractive aesthetic.

Rauschenberg, Monogram, 1955-1959

"It has never bothered me a bit when people say that what I'm doing is not art. I don't think of myself as making art. I do what I do because I want to, because painting is the best way I've found to get along with myself." - Rauschenberg

Aren't we all just trying to find our niche? Something that allows us to "get along with ourselves" in every day life? I admire his drive and his refusal to let critics detract from his work. Maybe it may seem a little kooky, but if creating something like this makes you happy, by all means go ahead.