THE JO-TEL is going to drink its way to Dover

Robert Rauschenberg (1925-2008)

Robert Rauschenberg died of heart failure last night at age 82. He redefined art for an entire generation, opening the door from Abstract Expressionism to Pop Art and beyond, and has inspired generations ever since (myself included).

Rauschenberg was one of the most prolific, diverse, imaginative artists of the 20th Century, and a true artistic genius. The NY Times’ reference to him as a “Titan of American Art” is hardly hyperbole. Although he was thrown into the “Neo-Dada” bin by a number of critics in the 60s, Rauschenberg himself never conformed to one movement - or even to one medium. He famously said, “I work in the gap between art and life.”

His art always pushed the envelope, was always questioning aesthetics, and always stayed innovative. It’s a huge loss to the art world, but hopefully the news will spark more interest in his work and expose some young artists to his work for the first time.