The artwork, “Should Love Come First” by Robert Rauschenberg, created around the year 1951, is a collage belonging to the Neo-Dada art movement and is classified under the figurative genre. The composition invites contemplation through its assemblage of various elements and forms.
The artwork features a diverse array of components, unified within a single canvas characterized by a seemingly chaotic yet thoughtful arrangement. Dominating the left side is an inscription within a circular form bearing the phrase “should love come first?” rendered in both typing and cursive script. Adjacent to this are a series of abstract forms and textures, including a black, amorphous blot and a grid-like diagram. The right section of the collage is marked by the presence of a complex radial chart labeled “A Diagram,” populated with floral or circular patterns, creating a visually striking focal point. Below this diagram are additional schematic sketches, possibly mechanical in nature, contributing to a sense of intellectual curiosity and exploration.
Overall, Rauschenberg’s work encapsulates the experimental and eclectic spirit of the Neo-Dada movement, inviting viewers to ponder the interplay of love, science, and aesthetics within the tapestry of modern life.
