Erased de kooning drawing

Definition

The erased de Kooning drawing is a conceptual artwork created by Robert Rauschenberg in 1953, which involves the act of erasing a drawing by renowned artist Willem de Kooning. This piece is significant as it challenges traditional notions of authorship and artistic value, illustrating the intersection of Neo-Dada and Pop Art movements, where everyday actions and found objects are elevated to the level of art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rauschenberg's erasure of de Kooning's drawing was not just an act of destruction; it was a deliberate artistic statement that questioned the boundaries between creation and erasure.
2. The piece is housed in major art collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, showcasing its lasting impact on contemporary art.
3. Rauschenberg considered the act of erasing a drawing as an artistic process that could transform the original work into something new and different.
4. The erasure was part of Rauschenberg's larger exploration of collaboration and the role of the artist in contemporary culture, blurring lines between individual authorship and collective creativity.
5. This artwork is often cited as a precursor to later movements such as conceptual art and postmodernism, which further explored ideas around authorship and originality.

Review Questions

• How does the erased de Kooning drawing reflect the principles of Neo-Dada?
  • The erased de Kooning drawing embodies Neo-Dada principles through its playful yet subversive approach to traditional art. By erasing an established artist's work, Rauschenberg critiques the conventional notions of authorship and artistic integrity. This act serves as both a homage to de Kooning and a challenge to the idea that art must be preserved in its original form, thus aligning with Neo-Dada's emphasis on questioning established norms.
• In what ways does Rauschenberg's erased de Kooning drawing challenge the concept of authorship in art?
  • Rauschenberg's erased de Kooning drawing fundamentally challenges authorship by presenting an erased work as a legitimate piece of art. It suggests that art can be created through negation or absence rather than traditional methods of making. This radical perspective shifts focus from individual creation to the broader dialogue surrounding artistic practice, inviting viewers to reconsider what constitutes ownership and originality in art.
• Evaluate the influence of the erased de Kooning drawing on subsequent movements such as conceptual art and postmodernism.
  • The erased de Kooning drawing significantly influenced conceptual art and postmodernism by foregrounding ideas around the nature of creativity and value in art. By transforming an original work into an act of erasure, Rauschenberg opened up discussions on how meaning can be derived from absence and negation. This work paved the way for artists to experiment with language, process, and context, redefining how art could engage with contemporary issues surrounding identity, authorship, and cultural commentary.

Related terms

Neo-Dada: An art movement that emerged in the 1950s, characterized by a playful approach to art and a rejection of traditional aesthetics, often incorporating found objects and everyday materials.

Conceptual Art: A movement in which the idea or concept behind the artwork takes precedence over traditional aesthetic and material concerns, often resulting in works that challenge viewers' perceptions of art.

Readymade: An ordinary manufactured object that an artist selects and presents as art, challenging conventional definitions of art and creativity.