“Samarkand Stitches III” is a figurative artwork created by the artist Robert Rauschenberg in 1988. This piece is associated with the Neo-Dada art movement. The artwork exhibits a diverse and dynamic composition of colors, patterns, and imagery.
The artwork is composed of a vibrant array of textile patterns featuring a central section of bold, multicolored ikat designs in shades of red, pink, green, yellow, and white. Surrounding this central fabric are various patches that include contrasting hues and textures, depicting layered and abstract imagery typical of Rauschenberg’s collage style. Fragments of photographic prints and other graphic elements are interspersed around the textile sections, creating a rich, intricate tapestry that blends traditional fabric art with contemporary visual motifs. The top border of the artwork is adorned with a deep plum-colored fabric, adding both contrast and unity to the overall composition. Rauschenberg’s integration of distinct visual elements within this piece reflects the transformative and experimental essence of the Neo-Dada movement.