"Fabricating Meaning: Robert Rauschenberg's Textile Revolution"
A new exhibit at the Menil Collection is celebrating the lesser-known work of American artist Robert Rauschenberg, who was a pioneer in textile art. Spanning three decades, from 1970 to 1976, "Robert Rauschenberg: Fabric Works of the 1970s" brings together works that not only challenge traditional notions of sculpture but also blur the lines between high and low art.
The exhibit centers around Rauschenberg's fascination with fabric as a medium, which he explored in three distinct series: Venetians, Hoarfrosts, and Jammers. The Venetian series, including "Sant'Agnese (Venetian)" (1973), features intricate arrangements of fabric, found objects, and everyday materials like shoelaces and corked glass jugs. These pieces evoke a sense of absurdity and tension, inviting viewers to ponder the significance behind their composition.
In contrast, the Hoarfrost series embodies Rauschenberg's rebellion against meaning, with lithographed newspapers and magazines alongside translucent fabrics stained with ink. The result is an enigmatic landscape that resists interpretation. Take "Bucket (Hoarfrost)" (1974), which juxtaposes a Renaissance print with a modern fashion advertisement, leaving the viewer to unravel the artist's intentions.
The Jammers series takes Rauschenberg's love of windsurfing and textiles to new heights. Featuring dyed silks and other materials that catch the eye but refuse to be pinned down, these pieces are as elusive as they are captivating. Can you grasp the fabric? No, can you resist it? That's the question.
In a show that mines an underexplored aspect of Rauschenberg's practice, this exhibit proves that the boundaries between art and everyday life are porous and permeable. The Menil Collection is proud to host this groundbreaking show through March 1, 2026.
A new exhibit at the Menil Collection is celebrating the lesser-known work of American artist Robert Rauschenberg, who was a pioneer in textile art. Spanning three decades, from 1970 to 1976, "Robert Rauschenberg: Fabric Works of the 1970s" brings together works that not only challenge traditional notions of sculpture but also blur the lines between high and low art.
The exhibit centers around Rauschenberg's fascination with fabric as a medium, which he explored in three distinct series: Venetians, Hoarfrosts, and Jammers. The Venetian series, including "Sant'Agnese (Venetian)" (1973), features intricate arrangements of fabric, found objects, and everyday materials like shoelaces and corked glass jugs. These pieces evoke a sense of absurdity and tension, inviting viewers to ponder the significance behind their composition.
In contrast, the Hoarfrost series embodies Rauschenberg's rebellion against meaning, with lithographed newspapers and magazines alongside translucent fabrics stained with ink. The result is an enigmatic landscape that resists interpretation. Take "Bucket (Hoarfrost)" (1974), which juxtaposes a Renaissance print with a modern fashion advertisement, leaving the viewer to unravel the artist's intentions.
The Jammers series takes Rauschenberg's love of windsurfing and textiles to new heights. Featuring dyed silks and other materials that catch the eye but refuse to be pinned down, these pieces are as elusive as they are captivating. Can you grasp the fabric? No, can you resist it? That's the question.
In a show that mines an underexplored aspect of Rauschenberg's practice, this exhibit proves that the boundaries between art and everyday life are porous and permeable. The Menil Collection is proud to host this groundbreaking show through March 1, 2026.
So I was thinking, what's up with fabric in art? Like, it's just stuff we use every day, but Rauschenberg takes it to a whole new level. The way he arranges these fabrics and objects is like nothing you've ever seen before. It's all about challenging our expectations, right? But at the same time, there's something kinda comforting about seeing everyday things used in an art context. It makes me think that maybe we don't have to be so serious about art all the time... 
. And don't even get me started on how "groundbreaking" this exhibit is... yeah right, it's just some old art from the 70s that people are now trying to make sound cool again 
. Give me something with a bit more substance, you know? Like, what's the point of an exhibit that's all about questioning meaning when we're already bombarded with ads and social media telling us what to think? 
. Who knew windsurfing and textiles could be so cool together?
I think its cool how Rauschenberg challenged traditional sculpture by using fabric in a different way... like, it's not just for art, but also everyday stuff 
. And I love how he blended old & new materials - it's like a time capsule in there 
!
! His work was all about pushing boundaries and making us question what we consider "art" in the first place. The way he combined fabric, found objects, and everyday materials to create these immersive pieces? Mind-blowing 
. Can't wait to see this exhibit in person! 
It's amazing how Rauschenberg pushed the boundaries of art with textiles. I mean, who wouldn't want a piece that's like a big ol' puzzle to figure out? 
Like "Bucket (Hoarfrost)" - it's just... what is it supposed to be? 
That's a message I can totally get behind! 
. And can we talk about the website for a second? The font sizes are all over the place and it's giving me a headache 
.
... it's like, it challenges everything we think we know about art! 
i mean, have u seen the Venetian series? it's like absurdity on steroids 
"
. And those Hoarfrost pieces? Forget about it! They're like a puzzle that refuses to be solved 
I think what's cool about Rauschenberg's textile work is how he takes these everyday materials and makes them seem high art 
. And can we talk about how beautiful these pieces are? The way the light catches the fabric is insane 
. Maybe it's not meant to be understood, but that's what makes it so captivating 
. And have you seen the way the colors and textures work together in those Hoarfrost pieces? It's like he's creating this whole other world 
.
. I love how he takes everyday materials like fabric, found objects, and newspaper clippings to create these thought-provoking pieces that make you go "huh?" What's up with the weird combinations? 
The fact that his work can be both absurd and captivating at the same time is just mind-blowing. I'm all about embracing the ambiguity and not knowing exactly what to make of it 
. This exhibit is a must-see for anyone who loves art, history, or just exploring the weird and wonderful world of human creativity 
I love how this exhibit challenges us to think differently about the meaning behind his pieces. It's not just about what it looks like, but also about what it says about our society. The way he plays with textures and materials is like a puzzle that you can't quite solve... and that's what makes it so captivating! 