Sadly, one of my favorite artists passed on today. Robert Rauschenberg’s “combines” of imagery and color often conveyed moving social commentary but the blurred layering effects and washes resulted in a velvety-glove presentation. I have always found his work to be intellectually stimulating and yet somehow gentle — even with visions of military helicopters or other birds of prey crowding the seams. After reading his obit today, I found this RR quote on the Rauschenberg wiki: “It is impossible to have progress without conscience.” A wise sentiment and one that his work embodies.

Thank you Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City for showing me my first Rauschenberg works.