Artist Analysis; Robert Rauschenburg

Skyway (1964)

oil and silk screen on canvas (5 m 48.562 cm x 4 m 87.7 cm)

I find that the contrast between the vibrant reds and blues to the blacks, greys and base colour, adds vibrancy to the piece and draws your eyes towards each element allowing you to appreciate every part. I find that the elements depicting space travel are symbolical of how the sky is only the beginning of where this world can take us, or how we perceived the depiction of heaven or the afterlife. Which adds to the effect of the JFK within this piece and how he has been elevated higher since his assassination. The contrast between the faded colour across certain elements and solid deep colours, allows for the elements to flow and seem flawless together. I find the subtle shape and marker lines draw you into the centre of the piece and allow you to branch out from there seeing different parts in new perspectives. I feel that this piece is a symbol for the legacy that JFK hoped to leave behind and the mission that they set out upon to reach beyond the stars, and to accomplish what some only dreamed of. the over dominating amount of blue white and subtle use of red show a strong sense of unification behind a cause like how people of countries bind together behind the flag of their country to stand for a common cause and to strive towards a better tomorrow.

Signs (1970)

  The elements within this all have major political prominence running up to the creation of this piece allow for this creation to have a deep and influential meaning even at first glance, as most would instantly notice either the Apollo astronaut Buzz Aldrin or Janis Joplin. I find this summation of the major events of the 1960's adds multiple layers to this composition as each of them have major meaning but when put together they show the progress that we made but also the price we have had to make to get to them along the way. I find that the way none of the pieces appear too far forward compared to the other adds a sense of balance to the art, combining this with the contrasting colours and dynamic body forms builds up on the initial impact of the piece. The use of red for Janis Joplin allows her to stand out compared to the others as they focus towards cooler colours, this could be symbolic of how passionately she fought for her cause or to show the anger and struggle she faced.

  The strong prominent figure of Buzz Aldrin brings strong contrast to to sharp and prominent colour of Janis, but this also serves to draw the observers eye across the piece and to allow the contrast of the revelations that have transpired to the accomplishments we strive towards and achieved, changing the way we perceive our world. The repeated face of JFK could be a message of how times are changing and the altering perceptions on society and foreign relations, creating friction and potential for further conflict. As his assassination didn't just spark change it also drove us to be better but for some, it was an example that life wasn't all good things and that the world is a very ,mean and nasty place. Overall this piece stands for the change that we can enact within a small period of time both the good and the bad, it aims to show us how we can create wonderful things and inspire the lives of many.But for me this piece is mostly focused around how much anger and intollerence there is in the world.