Ep 4. Robert Rauschenberg: Inventive Genius

Robert Rauschenberg: Inventive Genius is an episode of the Emmy-nominated series American Masters that explores the life and career of one of the most influential American artists of the 20th century, Robert Rauschenberg. Rauschenberg's innovative approach to art challenged prevailing notions of what art could be and paved the way for the development of new artistic movements such as Pop Art and Neo-Dadaism.

The episode takes viewers on a journey through Rauschenberg's life, starting with his childhood in Texas and his early studies in art and design. Using archival footage and interviews with friends, family members, and colleagues, the episode delves into Rauschenberg's early artistic experiments, including his early paintings and his work designing sets for the avant-garde dance company, Merce Cunningham Dance Company.

As the episode progresses, it examines Rauschenberg's groundbreaking Combines, artworks that blurred the lines between painting and sculpture and incorporated found objects such as tires, chairs, and newspapers. It also looks at his experimentation with techniques such as transfer printing, as well as his collaborations with other artists, including Jasper Johns.

The documentary offers insight into Rauschenberg's influences and inspirations, including his time studying with the renowned artist Joseph Albers at Black Mountain College in the 1940s. Additionally, the episode chronicles his relationships with other prominent figures of the time, including John Cage, Andy Warhol, and Willem de Kooning.

Throughout the episode, viewers gain an understanding of the ways in which Rauschenberg's art reflected, responded to, and influenced the cultural and political landscape of his time. From his early political activism, including his protests against the Vietnam War, to his work as a pioneer of environmental art, Rauschenberg's career was marked by a commitment to using art as a tool for social change.

The episode also provides a glimpse into Rauschenberg's personal life, including his relationships with his partners, Susan Weil and Jasper Johns, and his passion for travel and adventure. Through interviews with family members and colleagues, viewers gain an understanding of the ways in which Rauschenberg's life and art were intertwined, as well as the impact he had on those around him.

Overall, Robert Rauschenberg: Inventive Genius is a thought-provoking journey through the life and career of an artist who changed the course of American art forever. Through a combination of archival footage, interviews, and examples of Rauschenberg's art, the episode offers a glimpse into the complex and dynamic world of one of the 20th century's most influential artists.