Yoicks

1949–1952

Meets Cy Twombly at the Art Students League

From 1949 to 1952 Rauschenberg studied at the Art Students League of New York under Vaclav Vytlacil and Morris Kantor and met fellow artists Knox Martin and Cy Twombly there.

1952

Takes part in John Cage's first Happening

At Black Mountain College Rauschenberg took part in John Cage's “Theatre Piece No. 1” (1952), often considered the first Happening. Cage, a kindred spirit, supported him in his early years, and their friendship and collaboration lasted for decades.

autumn 1952 – spring 1953

Travels in Italy and North Africa with Cy Twombly

From the autumn of 1952 to the spring of 1953 Rauschenberg travelled in Italy and North Africa with his fellow artist and partner Cy Twombly. There he made collages and small sculptures out of found materials, the “Scatole Personali” (Personal Boxes) and “Feticci Personali” (Personal Fetishes).

1953

Joint show with Cy Twombly at the Stable Gallery

Eleanor Ward invited Rauschenberg to a joint exhibition with Cy Twombly at her Stable Gallery in New York; in the autumn of 1953 the gallery also showed his “White Paintings”.

1953

First European exhibition, in Rome

In Italy Rauschenberg was noticed by Irene Brin and Gaspero del Corso, who organised his first European exhibition in their famous gallery in Rome; he also showed in Florence. To his surprise a number of works sold, and many of those that did not he threw into the river Arno, following the suggestion of an art critic who had reviewed his show.

1954–1961

Lives with the artist Jasper Johns

From 1954 to 1961 Rauschenberg lived with his partner, the artist Jasper Johns. They constantly exchanged ideas and took part in each other's work, but never made objects under joint authorship.