Robert Rauschenberg, a defining force in the 20th century American art scene, passed away on May 12, 2008 from heart failure.
In the immediate post-war era, Rauschenberg went beyond the inventiveness of his contemporaries by incorporating mixed-media and parody in his art. Though best known for his combination of painting and sculpture, he also photographed, choreographed, wrote music and staged "happenings."
While serving in the US Navy during WWII Rauschenberg discovered his talent. Following his military service he studied art in Kansas City and Paris but eventually settled in New York....