US pop artist Robert Rauschenberg dies

by amyjudd | May 13, 2008 at 12:43 pm | 154 views | 2 comments

Well-known American pop artist Robert Rauschenberg has died in Florida. He was 82.

He was known for his use of odd and everyday articles, which earned him a reputation as a pioneer in pop art.

Rauschenberg first gained fame in the 1950s with his "combines", which brought together three-dimensional objects and paint.

He was also a sculptor and choreographer, and won a Grammy for "best album package" in 1984 for Talking Heads' Speaking in Tongues.

Among his most famous works was 1955's Bed, created after he woke up in the mood to paint but had no money for a canvas.

His solution was to take the quilt off his bed and use paint, toothpaste and fingernail polish instead.

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suden

at 21:15 on May 13th, 2008

I had the pleasure of meeting Robert Rauschenberg, along with his son, photographer Christopher Rauschenberg, and his longtime assistant, and artist in his own right, Darryl Pottorf.

The legendary artist made an appearance at our brand new Jepson Center for the Arts in April 2006.

I took this photo with my camera propped on my knee (photos were allowed, but I didn't want to be majorly conspicuious). I was really happy the way this shot turned out...they we're all having a great time and I think this photo captures the tone of the evening.

I would just like to share this photograph in memory of Robert....an amazing person and artist.

From left to right: Christopher, Robert, and Darryl.

suden has contributed a photo to this story.