An exhibition of works from the personal collection of Robert Rauschenberg provides a snapshot of the 1960s art scene in New York, a period defined by intense exchange between artists from all over the world.
The selling exhibition, “Radio Waves: New York ‘Nouveau Réalisme’ and Rauschenberg”, is due to take place at Sperone Westwater gallery (17 September-2 November). It is being produced in co-operation with the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, which last year revealed its intention to increase the scale of its grant-giving over the next 15 years by transferring assets from the estate to the foundation over time, with the aim of building a $350m endowment to fund artists’ projects and philanthropic ventures.
“The sales from the show will contribute directly to our philanthropic programmes as well as our endowment,” says the foundation’s executive director, Christy MacLear. “This show draws you into a community of artists who were experimenting with technology, materials and even one’s experience with art. The pieces are unique, having been collected by Bob, but together they also illustrate a moment in time.”
Works include Jean Tinguely’s Radio No. 1, 1960, the first “Radio” sculpture he produced, priced at $75,000, and Niki de Saint Phalle’s Element of Tir tableau pour DYLABY (Roller Skate), 1962 ($40,000).
“Rauschenberg’s is one of the great artist collections of the second half of the 20th century. It’s a testament to his generous spirit,” says David Leiber, the gallery director who organised the show.
Originally appeared in The Art Newspaper as 'Rauschenberg’s collection gets New York outing'
