Join us for a captivating online conversation with acclaimed author and Smithsonian cu rator Carolyn Russo as we dive into her fascinating book\, The Ascent of Rauschenberg. Explore the towering legacy\, unexpected inspiration s\, and creative heights of one of America's most influential artistic ico ns.
\nMost famous for his groundbreaki ng "Combines"&mdash\;painting and sculpture hybrids that often incorporate d everyday objects&mdash\;American artist Robert Rauschenberg (1925-2008) created within a range of mediums\, including collage\, performance\, phot ography\, and printmaking. But 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\, space flight\, sensory experiences\, and metaphors for his own life.
\nMore than 150 images reveal the vibrant scope o f his work\, from lithographs inspired by the Apollo 11 launch that NASA i nvited him to witness and document\, to a Combine featuring a taxidermied eagle that evokes Roman mythology. Nine accompanying essays reflect on his many flight themes and subtleties that might otherwise be overlooked. The book also includes archival photographs and personal papers from the Robe rt Rauschenberg Foundation.
\nRegister now for the chance to view art history through the unique prism of flight . \;
\nAbout the Author:
\nCarolyn Russo is curator of the art collection at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. She has lectured internationally on the subject of art and flight and is the author of several publications including The Ascent of Rauschenberg: R einventing the Art of Flight\, Art of the Airport Tower\, In Plan e View: Abstractions of Flight\, and Women and Flight: Portraits of Contemporary Women Pilots.
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