RAUSCHENBERG:  THE 1/4 MILE by Carol Kaufman Segal

            Rauschenbrg: The 1/4 Mile exhibition recently opened at the Los Angeles Museum of Art (LACMA).   Robert Rauschenberg (1925-2008) was one of the most pioneering artists of the last century as you can see as you peruse this expansive exhibition.  On view is his work of art, The 1/4 Mile piece that was completed over a period of 17 years (1981-98) and consists of 190 combined panels that measure approximately 1,000 ft., or approximately 1/4 mile.

            Resources for the variety of materials and images used in making The 1/4 Mile came from Rauschenberg’s travels to many countries in Europe, Asia, North Africa, Latin America, and the United States  His sprawling piece of work includes various textiles, mass media images, and photographs by the artist intermingled with trails of bold paint.  Ordinary everyday objects such as cardboard boxes, chairs, and books add a more solid depth to his creation. 

            In 1961 Robert Rauschenberg remarked, ‘There is no reason not to consider the world as one gigantic painting.” And following his one gigantic work, in1982, he said “By the time you’ve gone a quarter of a mile, if you have any mind at all, you’ve certainly forgotten what you had in mind when you started.”  This is the first time The 1/4 Mile had been presented in its entirety.  Curators of this exhibition include Michael Govan, CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director of LACMA, and Katia Zavistovski, Assistant Curator of Modern Art at LACMA.

            Rauschenberg: The 1/4 Mile will remain on view through June 9, 2019, at the Los Angeles Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles.  The museum is closed on Tuesdays.  For tickets and/or further information, go online at lacma.org, or call (323) 857-6010. Enjoy a leisurely 1/4 mile walk through the world of Rauschenberg.