American, b. October 22, 1925, Port Arthur, TX — d. May 12, 2008, Captiva, FL

Robert Rauschenberg was renowned as an enfant terrible, famous for his work in the 1950s, in the period between Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art. Rauschenberg began to incorporate any material he could scavenge into his combines (sculptural collages) by incorporating found objects, traditional brush strokes, photographs, and any other materials he encountered. This interplay between materials defined Rauschenberg's entire career. He also experimented with silk screening and solvent transfers on a diverse selection of surfaces.

Rauschenberg also developed an interest in art activism: his Experiments in Art and Technology (EAT) initiative encouraged collaborations between artists and scientists; the Rauschenberg Overseas Culture Interchange (ROCI) project allowed him to visit locations worldwide to work with artists and exhibit his own art; and the non-profit Change, Inc. helps struggling artists pay medical expenses.

Robert Rauschenberg artworks are collected by every major art museum around the world.