Rauschenberg: USF

June 20 – August 1, 2008
USFCAM East Gallery

The USF Contemporary Art Museum presents an exhibition of selected works by Robert Rauschenberg in celebration of his many contributions to contemporary art and his special significance to the University of South Florida.

Robert Rauschenberg (1925-2008) became one of the world's most renowned painters in the 1950s and 1960s, helping create the transition from European modernism to American pop art. The founding director of Graphicstudio, Dr. Donald J. Saff, recruited Rauschenberg to work at Graphicstudio in the early 1970s.The unique collaboration pairing artists with artisans experienced in all aspects of printmaking, and with students in a University setting, became Graphicstudio, an experiment in art and education. From 1972 through 1987, Rauschenberg created over 30 editions of prints, sculptures and photographs at USF and helped to establish Graphicstudio’s international prestige. In this process, he collaborated with USF art department faculty members Oscar Bailey, Alan Eaker, and printers Paul Clinton and Charles Ringness. Famously generous, Rauschenberg also made significant contributions to the University collection. CAM currently holds over 175 of his prints and sculpture multiples. In recognition of his contributions to the arts and to the university community, Rauschenberg received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from USF in 1976.

Rauschenberg’s work at USF reflects the diversity of his practice across media while also providing an overview of his artistic concerns. The exhibition Robert Rauschenberg: USF includes prints from the Made in Tampa, Airport and Crops suites, editions from the Tampa Clay Series, photographs from the series Studies for Chinese Summerhall and several sculpture multiples produced as part of the Rauschenberg Overseas Cultural Interchange (R.O.C.I). Although production at Graphicstudio forms the basis for this exhibition, other work from the USF Collection in addition to several key pieces on loan from area collections help inform our understanding of Robert Rauschenberg’s artistic legacy.

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Exhibition Brochure

Rauschenberg: USF is made possible by the Members and Corporate Partners of the USF Institute for Research in Art; Curated by IRA Staff; Organized by USF CAM. The USF Institute for Research in Art is recognized by the State of Florida as a major cultural institution and receives funding through the Florida Department of State, the Florida Arts Council and the Division of Cultural Affairs. The Contemporary Art Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums.