Image: Art Basel: Advisory Selections
Robert Rauschenberg, Rollings (Salvage) (1984). Acrylic, collage and graphite on canvas. 386.1 x 395 cm. © Robert Rauschenberg Foundation / ARS, New York, 2021. Photo: Glenn Steigelman.
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Art Basel: Advisory Selections Robert Rauschenberg at Thaddeaus Ropac

21 September 2021

By Rory Mitchell

Hotly anticipated mega-fair Art Basel returns this week, and despite recent travel warnings and testing requirements, turnout has been impressive. With over 250 participating galleries, those travelling to the fair will not be left wanting.

We have assembled a tight selection of our favourite works, which span historical heavyweights such as Robert Rauschenberg at Thaddaeus Ropac, following the artist's exquisite solo exhibition of metal paintings at the London gallery this summer. From splashes of colour in works by Zao Wou-Ki and Rita Ackermann, to a moody portrait in cool, cobalt and emerald hues by Victor Man, we share our picks.

Robert Rauschenberg at Thaddeaus Ropac

Having presented a solo exhibition of Robert Rauschenberg's metal paintings at their London location over the summer, Thaddeaus Ropac now present this 1984 work in addition to Star Grass (1983) for their Art Basel presentation.

Rolling (Salvage) was the result of a project Rauschenberg was involved in for Trisha Brown Dance Company's 1983 performance, Set and Reset. While silk screening images onto costumes for the show, the artist found that the images bled onto the fabric lying beneath.

The result was his 'Salvage' series, whereby the artist would create artworks based on the process of 'salvaging' the fateful prints. Images of scaffolding and buildings to cars and machinery can be found littered across the canvas, reflecting the artist's fascination with urban life and movement.

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