Merger

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.

1962

Takes up silkscreen after visiting Warhol's studio

By 1962 Rauschenberg's paintings took in not only found objects but found images: after a visit to Andy Warhol's studio he began transferring photographs to canvas by silkscreen, a technique of commercial printing. The silkscreen paintings of 1962–1964 led critics to identify him with Pop art.

1963

First retrospective, at the Jewish Museum

Rauschenberg's first career retrospective was organised by the Jewish Museum in New York.

May 1963

Choreographs his first performance, “Pelican”

In the early 1960s Rauschenberg was involved in the radical dance-theatre experiments at Judson Memorial Church in Greenwich Village, and in May 1963 he choreographed his first performance, “Pelican”, for the Judson Dance Theater. His close friends from Cunningham's circle — Carolyn Brown, Viola Farber and Steve Paxton — danced in his pieces.

1964

Grand Prize at the Venice Biennale

At the 32nd Venice Biennale Rauschenberg won the International Grand Prize in Painting, one of the first Americans to do so (James Whistler and Mark Tobey had won painting prizes in 1895 and 1958). The prize has been called the official recognition of Pop art.

28 juin 1964 – 6 octobre 1964

Exhibition: Documenta III