New exhibition explores artistic visionaries

A new exhibition exploring the artistic dialogue between two of the 20th century’s most influential artists will open this weekend at Geelong Gallery.

On tour from the National Gallery of Australia, Rauschenberg & Johns – Significant Others explores the legacy of artists Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns, whose ground-breaking works in lithography and screen-printing helped reshape American printmaking.

The artists met and fell in love in the early 1950s, during a time when same-sex relationships were illegal and Abstract Expressionism – an art movement focused on exposing the self and subconscious – was dominating New York’s art scene.

Forced to navigate the expression of their sexuality within a society that didn’t accept them, Rauschenberg and Johns began a private creative dialogue that introduced everyday signs, objects and media into their work.

In defiance of the trending themes of New York’s artistic culture, the artists claimed their art was not about themselves and did not reflect their personalities.

 

 

Jason Smith, Geelong Gallery director and chief executive officer, said the gallery enjoys a close working relationship with the National Gallery of Australia and is delighted to be presenting the major touring exhibition.

“Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Jones are considered two of the most significant artists of the twentieth century whose ground-breaking works shaped our understanding of aspects of American art history,” he said.

“This exhibition is a fascinating and important reflection of the private creative dialogue that began when they were young artists in a relationship and the careers that ensued.

“One of Gallery Gallery’s great collection strengths is printmaking, and it is a privilege to host this exhibition from the National Gallery which draws on its own extraordinary holding of international printmaking.”

The exhibition brings together print and multimedia works by both artists, including Rauschenberg’s renowned self-portrait entitled Booster – the largest and most technically sophisticated hand-pulled lithograph produced to date in 1967 – and Johns’ acclaimed Colour Numerals series.

Geelong Gallery is the last stop on the exhibition’s national tour and is the only Victorian venue to be graced with the collection.

 

 

The National Gallery’s associate curator David Greenhalgh said Rauschenberg and Johns’ works questioned ideas of authorship, value and how art needs to communicate to a public audience.

“The success of both Rauschenberg and Johns is a result of them being an audience to each other,” he said.

“While their relationship would end after seven years, their art would continue to radiate the new ideas of their creative exchange.”

Both Rauschenberg and Johns were highly engaged with the processes and materials of printmaking, Mr Greenhalgh said.

“They saw this ‘different physique’ as an opportunity to explore new ideas derived from new methods for creating work. These methods spoke directly to the abundance of printed matter in twentieth-century life, and how printmaking methods shaped everyday culture.

“Their understanding of the physical processes of making prints created rich new avenues to convey ideas.”

Rauschenberg & Johns – Significant Others will open at the Geelong Gallery tomorrow (Saturday, November 16) and run until February 9.

For more information, head to geelonggallery.org.au