Join us for a captivating onl ine conversation with acclaimed author and Smithsonian curator Carolyn Rus so as we dive into her fascinating book\, \;The Ascen t of Rauschenberg. Explore the towering legacy\, unexpected inspirati ons\, and creative heights of one of America's most influential artistic i cons.
\nMost famous for his groundbreaking "Combines"&mdash\;paintin g and sculpture hybrids that often incorporated everyday objects&mdash\;Am erican artist Robert Rauschenberg (1925-2008) created within a range of me diums\, including collage\, performance\, photography\, and printmaking. B ut a connective tissue through it all was his fascination with flight. The Ascent of Rauschenberg explores the flight motif across his work \, spanning birds\, insects\, aviation\, spaceflight\, sensory experiences \, and metaphors for his own life.
\nMore than 150 images reveal the vibrant scope of his work\, from lithographs inspired by the Apollo 11 la unch that NASA invited him to witness and document\, to a Combine featurin g a taxidermied eagle that evokes Roman mythology. Nine accompanying essay s reflect on his many flight themes and subtleties that might otherwise be overlooked. The book also includes archival photographs and personal pape rs from the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation.
\nRegister now for the chance to view art history through the unique prism of flight. \;
\nAbout the Author:
\nCarolyn Russo is cu rator of the art collection at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Mu seum. She has lectured internationally on the subject of art and flight an d is the author of several publications including The Ascent of Rausch enberg: Reinventing the Art of Flight\, Art of the Airport Tower< /em>\, In Plane View: Abstractions of Flight\, and Women and Flight: Portraits of Contemporary Women Pilots.
\n\nThis program is brought to you through the generosity of the \;Friends of the Reading Public Library. Thank you\, Friends!
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