Rober Rauschenberg died last night. He was 82.
“I really feel sorry for people who think things like soap dishes or mirrors or Coke bottles are ugly, because they’re surrounded by things like that all day long, and it must make them miserable.”
As an awkward immigrant kid growing up in the 80’s I was obsessed with “American-ness” and the ultimately stupid idea that discovering this American-ness would lead to “belonging.”
Discovering the work of Robert Rauschenberg, among others, made me understand that difference and not belonging, or even better—rejection!—were the most American traits of all. And that attempting, and failing, on a larger scale was far more exciting than succeeding on a small one.
Thanks for that, and rest in peace.
Written by Mike Monteiro on May 13, 2008 | 
4 comments so far. Add yours below.
Jenny E. says:
I always found his work inspiring, and am sad that he'll no longer working "in the gap between art and life" he enjoyed so much.
May 13, 2008 9:31 AM
Gordasm says:
TOtally sucks. I always thought of him as the missing link between Pop and Abstract. Of the many pithy things he said, I'll always love "There is no reason not to consider the world as one gigantic painting." Rest in peace, good sir.
May 13, 2008 3:57 PM
Alexandra says:
I like very much what he does ...
I 've seen him the first on a TV show and I have really enjoy himself...
His works are very interisting and expressive...
May 18, 2008 4:35 AM
Patricia Bourque says:
His work nurtures our appetite for fellowship, priceless!
May 18, 2008 4:23 PM