Menil Collection spotlights Rauschenberg's 1970s fabric works in centennial exhibition
From 19 September to 1 March, the Menil Collection in Houston showcases an exhibition featuring Robert Rauschenberg's fabric creations from the 1970s. This display includes nearly thirty pieces made on Captiva Island, such as Sant’Agnese (Venetian) (1973) and Untitled (Venetian) (1973). The 'Hoarfrosts' series (1974–76) presents works like Untitled and Sulphur Bank (both 1975). Rauschenberg's 'Jammers' series (1975–76) embodies a shift towards simplicity, resembling temporary shelters. Notably, Pilot (1975) incorporates a selvedge marked with red 'Made in Switzerland' stamps. These textile works critique the 'excesses' of modern life, contrasting sharply with his earlier 'Combines' (1954–64), and reflect influences from contemporaries such as Eva Hesse and Arte Povera.
Key facts
- Exhibition features Robert Rauschenberg's fabric works from the 1970s
- Held at The Menil Collection in Houston from 19 September to 1 March
- Includes nearly three dozen pieces created on Captiva Island, Florida
- Works include Untitled (Venetian) (1973) and Sant’Agnese (Venetian) (1973)
- Showcases series like 'Hoarfrosts' (1974–76) and 'Jammers' (1975–76)
- Part of over 30 global Rauschenberg Centennial exhibitions from 2025 to 2026
- Rauschenberg aimed to critique modern life's 'excesses' through reduction
- Influenced by contemporaries like Eva Hesse and Arte Povera movement
Entities
Artists
- Robert Rauschenberg
- Eva Hesse
- Tina Girouard
- Miriam Schapiro
Institutions
- The Menil Collection
- Venice Biennale
- ArtReview
- Caterpillar Inc.
Locations
- Houston
- United States
- Captiva Island
- Florida
- New York
- Venice
- Italy
- Switzerland