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Robert Rauschenberg (American, 1925-2008). "Earth Day 1990" poster, 1990. Printed by Gemini G.E.L. and signed in the plate. Also signed in pencil at lower right. Hand-signed as well as signed in the plate, a custom-framed, limited edition poster of "Earth Day 1990" by Robert Rauschenberg, one of the most important forefathers of Pop Art. The composition features images of collaged photographs the artist selected from books and magazines that bring together various visuals to make a powerful environmentalist statement. A red pictograph of a heart superimposed by an arrow that points toward a black and white image of a tall, leafless tree shares the picture plane with a large broom and shovel. Expressive printed brown brushstrokes overlay the broom; green brushstrokes embellish the barren tree, and "EARTHDAY 1990" is written in red at the lower left. The print is signed in both pencil and silver/grey ink at the lower right. Size: 60" L x 39.75" W (152.4 cm x 101 cm) Size of frame: 62" L x 42" W (157.5 cm x 106.7 cm)

In addition to being a pioneer of Pop Art, Rauschenberg was an environmental activist who was concerned about the welfare of the earth throughout his lifetime. Twenty years prior, Rauschenberg actually created the first Earth Day poster to benefit the American Environment Foundation in Washington, DC in 1970. It was published by Castelli Graphics, New York. Featuring the threatened bald eagle as the dominant image of the composition, Rauschenberg suggested that the US was at the forefront of this global problem. In order to convey environmental decay, the artist swathed earth tones over America's national bird - and surrounded it with black and white images of contaminated waters, polluted cities, littered junkyards, natural landscapes blighted by deforestation and highways, as well as another beloved endangered animal, the gorilla.

Born in Port Arthur, Texas, Robert Rauschenberg studied at Black Mountain College where he was exposed to exciting artists such as Josef Albers and John Cage. Early on in his career, his Black Paintings and White Paintings justifiably earned the attention of the New York art scene. In addition, Rauschenberg met Jasper Johns who would be an important personal and professional influence; their relationship has been described as "one of the greatest love stories in modern art" (Duncan Ballantyne-Way "The Relationship Between Jasper Johns & Robert Rauschenberg" in "fineartmultiple" 2017).

Rauschenberg created memorable artworks for six decades. A master from the Pop Art era, he explored an eclectic array of materials and experimented with various techniques. Perhaps best known for his "Combines" - three dimensional sculptural collages that he created from seemingly ordinary found objects and discarded materials like tires, umbrellas, sheet metal, and newspapers - as well as vibrant silkscreen paintings which he first screen-printed, then painted over, and collaged photographs from books and magazines.

Rauschenberg was the first American to win the Golden Lion award at the Venice Biennale in 1964. From there, he went on to have solo exhibitions at the Guggenheim, Tate Modern, Centre Pompidou, and Moderna Museet, among other elite institutions. His art may be found in collections throughout the globe and has sold for tens of millions at auction; his high auction record is $88.8 million at Christie's in 2019.

Provenance: ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from 1970 to 2000

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#171899

Artwork has not been examined outside the frame. Appears to be in very good condition. Hand-signed in pencil at lower right. Also signed in the plate at lower right. Custom frame is very nice save slight wear. Wired for suspension and ready to display. Butterfield & Butterfield sticker and small piece of tape on lower right of plexiglass.