Erased de Kooning Drawing

Definition

The Erased de Kooning Drawing is a conceptual artwork created by Robert Rauschenberg in 1953, where he erased a drawing by Willem de Kooning and presented the result as a new piece of art. This act challenges traditional notions of authorship and originality in art, embodying principles of Neo-Dada and Deconstruction by questioning the value and meaning of artistic creation and destruction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The original drawing that Rauschenberg erased was a work by Willem de Kooning, known for his abstract expressionist style, which makes the act even more provocative.
2. This work was created during a time when artists were beginning to explore the boundaries of what could be considered art, moving away from traditional techniques.
3. Rauschenberg’s act of erasure can be seen as a commentary on the artist's role in creating meaning, as it shifts focus from creation to destruction.
4. The final product is not just an empty canvas but a statement about absence and presence in art, raising questions about value and authorship.
5. Erased de Kooning Drawing exemplifies how post-war art sought to redefine boundaries and challenge existing norms in the art world.

Review Questions

• How does the Erased de Kooning Drawing reflect the principles of Neo-Dada in its approach to art-making?
  • The Erased de Kooning Drawing embodies Neo-Dada principles by using everyday actions like erasure to create art. This move away from conventional methods highlights the importance of anti-art sentiments prevalent in Neo-Dada. Rauschenberg's work emphasizes playfulness and irony, which are key elements in this movement, while also questioning the idea of what constitutes art and who holds creative authority.
• In what ways does the act of erasing another artist's work contribute to discussions about authorship and originality in art?
  • Rauschenberg's decision to erase de Kooning's drawing raises significant questions about authorship since he transformed another artist's work into something new through destruction. This act challenges the traditional view that values original creations and individual genius. By presenting the erased work as a piece of art itself, Rauschenberg blurs the lines between creator and destroyer, prompting viewers to reconsider what defines an artwork's significance.
• Analyze how the Erased de Kooning Drawing engages with Deconstruction as a philosophical approach to understanding art.
  • The Erased de Kooning Drawing serves as a powerful example of Deconstruction by illustrating how meaning in art can be derived from absence rather than presence. By erasing de Kooning's drawing, Rauschenberg opens up discussions on how artworks can be understood through their context and interpretation rather than their physical form. This approach aligns with Deconstruction's aim to challenge established meanings and highlight contradictions within artistic practices, allowing viewers to question their assumptions about creativity and value in art.

Related terms

Neo-Dada: An art movement that emerged in the 1950s, characterized by its use of everyday materials and objects, often blurring the boundaries between fine art and popular culture.

Conceptual Art: A movement where the idea behind the artwork is more important than the finished product, emphasizing concepts over traditional aesthetic values.

Readymade: A term coined by Marcel Duchamp referring to ordinary manufactured objects that are selected and designated as art, challenging the definitions of artistic creativity.