Video No. 6067. English Language Pal VHS.
An Exploration of Art on Film.
'Man At Work'.
Directed by Chris Granlund.
One of the most influential American artists of the 20th century, Robert Rauschenberg possesses an indefatigable zeal for fusing real life with art.
For the last fifty years, his art has encompassed all manner of experimentation and a vast array of media, including silkscreening, printmaking, photography and current technologies. His seminal combine paintings, including one that is a made-up bed, predate Pop Art and were created with household items, chairs, ladders and other elements taken from every day life. Rauschenberg's collaboration with choreographers, notably Merce Cunningham, John Cage and Trisha Brown, have greatly influenced contemporary dance and performance.
The highlight of this programme, filmed at his Captiva island studio, is Rauschenberg's autobiographical work, the multi-panelled '1/4 Mile or 2 Furlong Piece', begun in 1982 and intended to exceed the length of its name. Seen for the first item in its entirety, this monumental work-in-progress exemplifies the originality and genius of an artist who is always ahead of his time.
