The artwork entitled “Phoenix (Scale)” was created by artist Robert Rauschenberg in 1978. It can be classified within the Neo-Dada movement and is considered an installation piece. It serves as a manifestation of Rauschenberg’s exploration of material and form, where traditional boundaries of art are challenged and redefined.
The artwork appears as a three-dimensional installation, composed of a large, circular object placed above a rectilinear base. The circular element is segmented into diverse sections, each boasting different colors and textures, suggesting a myriad of materials have been incorporated. The wheel-like structure radiates a sense of motion and industrial aesthetics, reminiscent of a large cog or perhaps a colorful variant of a nautical lifebuoy.
Beneath this upper component rests the base, notable for its vibrant red hue. Upon closer scrutiny, one can observe that the surface is a collage of images, hinting at a visual narrative that weaves through the tessellated photos and prints. Through this layered collage, the piece hints at the complexities and multiplicities of memory and experience, signature themes in Rauschenberg’s oeuvre.
Overall, “Phoenix (Scale)” stands as a testament to the innovative approach of Neo-Dada artists who sought to integrate everyday objects and images into their work, blurring the lines between art and life, while commenting on the contemporary human experience.
