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1970s
1970s

Robert Rauschenberg's work in the 1970s continued to reflect his innovative approach to art, blending technology, environmental concerns, and social commentary. During this decade, he further explored the possibilities of printmaking, creating works that responded to the political and cultural currents of the time. One notable series from this period is "Currents" (1970), where Rauschenberg turned his attention to contemporary news, utilizing headlines, stories, and photographs to examine the era's tumult. This series marked a departure from his earlier gestural mark-making, opting instead for compositions based on fractured grids, reflecting the chaos and complexity of the world's events​ (National Gallery of Art)​. Rauschenberg's move to Captiva, Florida, in the early 1970s marked a significant shift in his artistic practice, as he established his own print facility, Untitled Press, and began working with Tampa's Graphicstudio U.S.F. This period saw the creation of the "Airport Series" (1974), which introduced variability into the printmaking process, challenging the standardization typically associated with the medium. By using fabric supports with varying textures and incorporating actual bottle caps into the prints, Rauschenberg emphasized the uniqueness of each piece within the series​ (National Gallery of Art)​. The 1970s also saw Rauschenberg extending the notion of variability with the "Hoarfrost Editions" (1974), where images transferred onto fabrics like cheesecloth and silk created multi-layered works that shifted in appearance with the viewer's movement or even a breeze. This series exemplified his ongoing interest in pushing the boundaries of traditional printmaking and art presentation​ (National Gallery of Art)​. Rauschenberg's engagement with technology and environmental activism was evident in his participation in projects that utilized art as a catalyst for social change. His commitment to environmental issues was symbolically represented in the first Earth Day poster he designed in 1970, using the bald eagle to symbolize the United States' central role in addressing global environmental decay. This work was part of Rauschenberg's broader effort to use art to raise awareness and funds for various social causes throughout his career​ (Rauschenberg Foundation)​. Throughout the 1970s, Rauschenberg's work continued to influence later art movements and maintain his status as a pioneering figure in the art world. His explorations in printmaking, performance, and technology-based art during this decade contributed to the rich tapestry of his legacy, highlighting his belief in the power of art to reflect and influence society​ (The Art Story)​​ (The Museum of Modern Art)​​ (Rauschenberg Foundation)​.