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Rauschenberg’s legacy discussed in the BIG ARTS “After Rauschenberg” art talk and exhibit

2 min read

Robert Rauschenberg is considered one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Hailed by many as the “Picasso of post-World War II art,” he fills a separate niche that distinguishes his work from both abstract expressionism and pop art, though he often utilized elements of both styles.

Living much of his later years on Captiva Island, he helped launch the first BIG ARTS gallery-Phillips Gallery-with a sculpture he personally installed for the opening entitled, “Dragon Blossom, Winter Glut.” His contribution to community extended to southwest Florida, most notably the Fine Arts Gallery at Edison College in Fort Myers, today called the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at Florida Southwest College. Rauschenberg’s generosity was legend.

BIG ARTS is pleased to have Deborah Patterson Butler, a retired art history and humanities professor who served on the Gallery Board at Edison for many years, present a vibrant talk on the life and work of Robert Rauschenberg. Butler will share her deep knowledge on Rauschenberg’s style and various mediums. From his enduring global approach to art, his use of common objects and detritus in his work, to his use of photography, Rauschenberg’s contributions to the arts in America cannot be overstated. While he embraced popular culture, often collaborating with artists from other areas such as cinematography, music and dance, he did not consider himself a “pop artist.”

Come and enjoy this free and engaging salute to Rauschenberg’s life and art on March 29 at 7 p.m. as a complement to our “After Rauschenberg” juried exhibit , featuring two original Rauschenberg numbered prints as well as artist submissions inspired by his work, running through April 29 in Phillips Gallery.