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Online Author Talk With Smithsonian Curator Carolyn Russo

Art in Flight: Reinventing Postmodernism

Join us online for a conversation with Smithsonian curator Carolyn Russo as we dive into her book, "The Ascent of Rauschenberg," which explores the towering legacy and unexpected inspirations of Robert Rauschenberg, one of America's most influential artists. Adults. Register to get a link. A recording will also be available for later viewing.

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Join us online for a conversation with Smithsonian curator Carolyn Russo as we dive into her book, "The Ascent of Rauschenberg," which explores the towering legacy and unexpected inspirations of one of America's most influential artists.

American artist Robert Rauschenberg (1925-2008) may be most famous for his groundbreaking "Combines," painting and sculpture hybrids that often incorporated everyday objects, but he also created within a range of mediums including collage, performance, photography and printmaking. A connective tissue through it all was his fascination with flight. "The Ascent of Rauschenberg" explores the flight motif across his work, spanning birds, insects, aviation, spaceflight, sensory experiences and metaphors for his own life.

More than 150 images reveal the vibrant scope of his work, from lithographs inspired by the Apollo 11 launch that NASA invited him to witness and document, to a Combine featuring a taxidermied eagle that evokes Roman mythology. Nine accompanying essays reflect on his many flight themes and subtleties that might otherwise be overlooked. The book also includes archival photographs and personal papers from the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation.

Register now for the chance to view art history through the unique prism of flight.

Adults. Register to receive a link for viewing this online event.

About the Author: Carolyn Russo is curator of the art collection at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. She has lectured internationally on the subject of art and flight and is the author of several publications including "The Ascent of Rauschenberg: Reinventing the Art of Flight, Art of the Airport Tower," "In Plane View: Abstractions of Flight" and "Women and Flight: Portraits of Contemporary Women Pilots."

This event is part of DBRL's Online Author Series, supported by David Lile honorarium funds. A recording will also be available for later viewing on the author series site.

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