Robert Rauschenberg - Inventive Genius (American Masters)

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One of the giants of modern American art, Robert Rauschenberg is often considered the link between abstract expressionism and pop art. This PBS video, narrated by actor Dennis Hopper, provides an insightful look at Rauschenberg's landmark career, which began with his revolutionary forays into sculpture and painting in the 1950s and continues with his making of prints that are both startling and elegant. From his beginnings in Texas to a sojourn in Paris through to the heady days when he was the bad boy of the New York art scene, the video follows the artist up to his later years on Captiva Island, Florida. Rauschenberg himself appears frequently, speaking in his studio and offering comments on his life that often end with his distinctive booming laugh. Friends of the artist as well as art critics (including New Yorker writer Calvin Tomkins) offer their insights on Rauschenberg as both an artist and an individual. Vintage film footage, including scenes at gallery shows that were considered utterly shocking in their day, as well as clips of Rauschenberg over the years working in his studios, round out this highly entertaining presentation. As one would expect from a PBS American Masters production, Robert Rauschenberg: Inventive Genius offers a proficient introduction to the world of the artist while also going in-depth for those who may already be Rauschenberg fans. --Robert J. McNamara

Customer Reviews:

Like a walk by a lake .......2007-02-13

Relaxing, mind-clearing, simple. That's this program, that introduces the listener to Robert Rauschenberg. And I say "listener" because what is said seems more important than the images. Or at least more important than the small-screen glimpses of his work. (To see his work, go to a museum.)

I can't quote Rauschenberg exactly, but he says something like, "I seek the maximum possible lack of control so that something might happen that I couldn't have thought of." Of course that is the essence of invention, and the recipe sounds so simple.

It is the same recipe that allows nature to produce all its wonders.

Fortunately for those of us aren't lucky enough to live near a lake (or on a Florida island), Rauschenberg reopens our eyes to the beauty of the city street, the man-made object, even the TV news, through his collages.

Also to the joy of a variety of friends--not only artists, but dancers, musicians, and even an engineer.

Informative but a little boring.......2002-11-27

Very interesting and informative but a little on the dry side.

Robert Rauschenberg, joyful inspiration!.......2001-08-25

If you've never heard Robert Rauschenberg laugh with delight, you MUST get this video! What an absolute joy to find a great artist who so obviously enjoys life and his creativity. His friends even delight in all he brings to their lives. Imagine that! Oh - and his art is delicious. It's hard to believe that one man could contain so much inspiration and create so much art in so many ways. He identifies himself as a "painter" but is obviously so much more. Watching and hearing a bit about his creative process challenges us all to a new level of freedom and a lack of control in our own work. Rauschenberg is not your usual angst-ridden, tortured artist - and I'm so grateful to have made his video acquaintance. The only thing that could be better would be to just hang out with him.

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