After all I’ve heard about The Museum of Modern Art, I finally got a chance to visit the place myself. I wandered around for quite a long time until I came across an exhibition of Robert Rauschenberg’s artwork. I didn’t know much about this artist, but once I got to see his work, I was captivated. It’s amazing how he incorporated everyday objects and combined different techniques in his artwork. He also got involved in so many different aspects of art through collaborations. Looking at Rauschenberg’s work, it’s easy to notice that he must had been an open-minded, curious, daring, creative, and inclusive person. Many of the traits I believe are very important for anyone being at any stage of life.
One of the paintings I liked the most was this one called “Bed”. I thought it to be weird at the beginning, but after I got to know the story behind the painting, my perception of it changed completely. This painting was created when Rauschenberg couldn’t afford to buy a canvas and decided to paint on a patchwork quilt that artist Dorothea Rockburne gave him. Once again, he incorporated everyday articles like a pillow and a sheet. This was one of his many collaborations with other people, the pencil strokes on the pillow were said to be the work of artist Cy Twombly. Through this piece, Rauschenberg wanted to express that art making “took shape in a setting of friendship and exchange.”
This made me think about approaching college life in a different way since I realized that college has a lot in common with the message behind this work. College is a place where we come together with other people that are from many different backgrounds and let them teach us, influence us, and shape us. A place where we exchange our knowledge and experiences with other people to come out as well-rounded individuals. Somewhere we learn to be open-minded, curious, and inclusive.
Furthermore, I found the way Rauschenberg used a patchwork quilt when he didn’t have a canvas very inspiring. Being able to analyze something from various perspectives and approach an issue with more than the traditional way of doing things is a skill we all need and is also what keeps society advancing.
It was a very interesting and eye-opening visit that made me think and taught me much more than what I was initially expecting. Besides all the artworks by Rauschenberg, I also came across some other art pieces that looked pretty interesting. Before leaving, I heard that the museum holds different exhibitions every once in a while so I guess I’ll be back soon.
