From Booklist
Rauschenberg has been so prolific that few critics have a handle on his vast output or the sensibility and ideas behind it. Enter intrepid art historian Mattison, who observes Rauschenberg hard at work in his enormous, immaculate, high-tech Florida studio, where this master of intuition and spontaneity, who is actually as organized and efficient as an emergency room physician, works with a crew of energetic assistants at a breathless pace. Collaborations and an atmosphere conducive to the unexpected are crucial to Rauschenberg's "unfettered creativity," Mattison realizes, and the juxtaposition of seemingly unrelated images that characterize Rauschenberg's work reflects his keen interest in the flux and multifariousness of life. Mattison also analyzes Rauschenberg's 20-year collaboration with choreographer Trisha Brown, parses Rauschenberg's attunement to urban life and fascination with space exploration, ponders the aesthetic implications of the artist's dyslexia, and chronicles Rauschenberg's wildly ambitious and highly controversial project entailing travel to and the making and exhibiting of art in 11 countries. Mattison's unique approach greatly enhances our appreciation for this taken-for-granted artist and his phenomenally complex art. Donna Seaman
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Book Description
Throughout his illustrious career, Robert Rauschenberg has consistently challenged the prevailing ideologies and techniques of the art world. One of our greatest American artists, he redefined what materials were suitable for art, boldly rebelling against the predominant abstract expressionism of the time. This insightful analysis into Rauschenberg's work and life examines his bravery in pushing beyond technical and aesthetic frontiers as well as his influential dissemination of photography, film, and television, which altered the genre of traditional painting.

Rauschenberg's seminal works--from his "combines" (urban trash on painted surfaces) to his silk screens--are reproduced here in full color. The author also discusses some of the artist's more recent projects, including ROCI, Rauschenberg's own exhibition organization that showcases diverse artists from all over the world. Through beautiful photography and authoritative text, here is a well-rounded overview of one of the world's most pivotal artists.



Language Notes
Text: German, English


About the Author
Sam Hunter is Emeritus Professor of Art History at Princeton University and the author of many studies of contemporary art movements and artists. He wrote two books in Rizzoli's Twentieth Century Masters series, Tom Wesselmann (1995) and Alex Katz (1992).

FROM THE PUBLISHER