In the 1980s, Robert Rauschenberg's art was marked by continued innovation, a deepening engagement with technology, and an increasing commitment to global cultural exchange and environmental activism. This period saw him undertaking two significant long-term projects that would define much of his work during the decade​ (Rauschenberg Foundation)​. One of the major highlights of this era was the launch of the Rauschenberg Overseas Culture Interchange (ROCI) in 1984. ROCI was an ambitious project that aimed to foster international understanding and peace through art. Rauschenberg traveled to countries around the world, many of which were underrepresented in the global art scene or facing political and social challenges. His travels included visits to Chile, Venezuela, China, Tibet, and Japan, among others. In each location, he collaborated with local artists and communities, creating artworks that reflected the cultural and political nuances of each place. For instance, during his time in Chile, Rauschenberg was moved by the plight of the Chilean people under the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet and chose to use copper, a material central to Chile's economy and identity, as a medium for his works​ (Rauschenberg Foundation)​. Rauschenberg's engagement with technology and environmental concerns also continued to evolve during the 1980s. His earlier experiments with technology-based art in collaboration with engineer Billy Klüver and the organization Experiments in Art and Technology (E.A.T.) laid the groundwork for later works that incorporated technological elements. The decade also saw him creating art that addressed environmental issues, as evidenced by his design of the first Earth Day poster in 1970. This theme of environmental activism persisted throughout his career​ (Rauschenberg Foundation)​​ (Rauschenberg Foundation)​. The 1980s were also a time when Rauschenberg revisited and expanded upon themes and techniques from his earlier work. His exploration of printmaking and the use of diverse materials—ranging from traditional canvases to unconventional supports like metal—underscored his ongoing interest in blurring the boundaries between art and life, and between different art forms​ (The Art Story)​. Rauschenberg's contributions during this decade were not only significant in terms of the artworks he produced but also in terms of his impact on the art world and broader societal issues. ROCI, in particular, stands as a testament to his belief in the power of art to bridge cultural divides and foster mutual understanding. His work in the 1980s encapsulates his career-long commitment to innovation, collaboration, and social engagement​ (Rauschenberg Foundation)​​ (National Gallery of Art)​​ (Rauschenberg Foundation)​.