Dear Shaded Viewers,
I just had a preview of the Robert Rauschenberg: Photographs. I'd never seen his personal photographic work before, it is amazing. The images highlight his artistic friendships, travels and studios. The book will be published in October and is edited by Susan Davidson and David White with text by Nicholas Cullinan and published by D.A.P./Schirmer/Mosel.
Rauschenberg's engagement with photography began in the late 40's and for a time he did not know if he wanted to pursue photography or painting. He chose both. He photographed his friends and family and documented the evolution of his artworks and every now and then he dramatized the images by inserting himself in them. He never stopped being a photographer. The book includes portraits of his friends Cy Twombly, Jasper Johns, Merce Cunningham and John Cage, studio shots, photographs used in the Combines, silkscreen paintings, and photographs of lost artworks and works in process-allowing us to re-imagine almost the entirety of the artist's oeuvre . It also gives us an unseen glimpse into his social nexus of the 1950's and early 60's.
In celebration of the publication, the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation will showcase rolling images selected from the book, projected onto its warehouse space at 455 West 19th Street. The images can be seen by pedestrian viewing from 12h noon to 21h. September 16 – October 3rd.
Later,
Diane
