Estate 1963

Robert Rauschenberg made this painting, called Estate, with a combination of silkscreen, and paint, probably not knowing exactly how it was going to end up. I can imagine him working on it, layering image upon image, with such a drive to capture the world! There are floating architectural forms and street signs—which is a very urban experience. He paints big swaths of reds and oranges, kind of like Franz Kline, but then slaps on a photo transfer of the old masters! You know? I love the way that the colours interact with the collage elements, almost fighting with them, creating a sense of depth and movement. It reminds me of how David Salle uses collage, but more raw, with a real sense of urgency, capturing the chaos and beauty of the everyday. Rauschenberg’s really in conversation with all of them. In a way, painting is all about that— artists talking to each other, responding to their world, adding their voice to the mix, embracing the mess, and making something new out of the conversation.