The Cy Twombly Foundation is set to unveil a collection of six early artworks by Robert Rauschenberg at the new Gagosian gallery on New York's Upper East Side. This exhibition offers a rare glimpse into Rauschenberg's formative artistic years, showcasing pieces seldom displayed to the public. These works, including an unusual 1950 assemblage and a 1950 cyanotype created with Susan Weil, provide crucial insights into his creative process during a period when much of his output was reportedly destroyed. The show also explores the intertwined lives of Twombly and Rauschenberg, close friends and, for a time, romantically involved, whose relationship was highlighted in the acclaimed 'Five Friends' exhibition at the Museum Brandhorst in Munich. This presentation underscores Rauschenberg's significant impact on postwar American art, further enriched by its juxtaposition with a concurrent Marcel Duchamp exhibition at the same venue, promising a truly exciting artistic dialogue.
Foundation Presents Seldom-Seen Rauschenberg Creations at Gagosian Exhibition
In a significant cultural event, the Cy Twombly Foundation is slated to display an exclusive selection of six early artworks by the renowned artist Robert Rauschenberg. This highly anticipated exhibition will take place at the Gagosian's freshly inaugurated gallery on New York's sophisticated Upper East Side, located at 980 Madison Avenue. The showcase is scheduled to commence on April 25, offering art enthusiasts a unique opportunity to engage with these seldom-seen masterpieces from Rauschenberg's initial artistic phase.
Among the notable pieces to be featured is a remarkable 1950 assemblage, partially crafted from natural elements like twigs and glass. According to representatives from Gagosian, this particular work stands out as an exceptional example from a period in Rauschenberg's career where he was known to have discarded a significant portion of his artistic endeavors. The exhibition will also include a 1950 cyanotype, a collaborative creation with Susan Weil, who was Rauschenberg’s spouse at the time, alongside a captivating piece from his circa 1952 'Black Painting' series. Completing the display is a 1961 assemblage ingeniously composed of everyday objects such as a lightbulb, a stool, metal, and wire.
Although a Gagosian spokesperson chose not to comment on the potential sale of these works, it is widely acknowledged that premier Rauschenberg pieces command substantial prices in the art market. For instance, a silk-screened work from 1964 fetched an astounding $88.8 million at Christie’s in 2019.
The deep personal and professional bond between Twombly and Rauschenberg is well-documented. Their relationship, which included a romantic involvement in the 1950s, was a central theme in the celebrated 'Five Friends' exhibition. This critically acclaimed show, which debuted last year at the Museum Brandhorst in Munich, Germany, explored the contributions of Twombly, Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, Merce Cunningham, and John Cage, not only as pioneering postwar artists but also as queer men whose identities profoundly influenced their creative output.
This Gagosian exhibition will run concurrently with a show dedicated to Marcel Duchamp, an artist whose sculptures rarely grace commercial gallery spaces. Larry Gagosian, the esteemed art dealer, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming display with ARTnews, stating, "On their own, these early works by Robert Rauschenberg confirm his importance as one of the most influential artists of American postwar era. But when you add the fact that they were owned by Cy Twombly, and you juxtapose them with the genius of Marcel Duchamp, something really exciting happens."
The exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of artistic legacies and the profound impact personal relationships can have on creative expression. It invites viewers to consider the historical context and personal narratives that shaped these iconic figures of modern art, offering a multi-layered experience that transcends mere observation of the artworks. The combination of Rauschenberg's early works, Twombly's patronage, and Duchamp's genius creates a dynamic and thought-provoking environment for art lovers.