To mark the 100th anniversary of Robert Rauschenberg's birth, multiple exhibitions have been organized worldwide, led by the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation. Shows include 'Five Friends' at the Museum Ludwig in Cologne and 'Robert Rauschenberg: Fabric Works of the 1970s' at the Menil Collection in Houston. Michelle White, senior curator at the Menil, has selected five key books that illuminate different aspects of Rauschenberg's life and career, from Calvin Tomkins' biography 'Off the Wall' to Walter Hopps' catalogue on the artist's early 1950s work.
This guide matters because it provides curated access to understanding one of the most influential American artists of the 20th century, whose cross-disciplinary practice continues to resonate. The centennial moment, with its coordinated global exhibitions, offers a rare opportunity to reassess Rauschenberg's legacy, particularly his experimentation with fabric and collaborative spirit, which are highlighted in the recommended readings and current shows.