4 Comments

Comment by artreview.com on 29 January 2008 at 9:48pm

This is such an incredible moment. Here's how Mark Stevens and Annalyn Swan describe it in their biography of de Kooning:

"He told Rauschenberg: 'I know what you're doing.'

De Kooning was referring, in part, to Rauschenberg's recent monochromatic work without imagery. But de Kooning was doubtless aware of the many other implications of Rauschenberg's request. The young artist was engaged in a symbolic act of generational and Oedipal murder, at once comic and deadly serious. He was ridding himself of a burdensome father. He was doing so, moreover, in the joking language of Dada, a movement that did not respect the sanctity of the art object or celebrate the romantic passion of de Kooning's generation. He was declaring that, for ambitious art, de Kooning stood in the way. He must be erased. Rauschenberg's errand had little charm for a middle-aged painter who had spent decades struggling to escape Picasso's shadow. Wasn't he, de Kooning, the emerging artist? To date, de Kooning had enjoyed only three or four years of modest recognition and was still trying to make ends meet. Now, his moment having just arrived, he found a young artist at his door anxious to announce the death of the old man -- and lampoon collectors for their desire to own "a de Kooning."

Comment by Alaleh Alamir on 30 January 2008 at 12:17pm

absolutely wonder"ful! many thanx dennis...
but from my point of view, the outsiders comments don't seem to apply as it was really a "collaboration" between the two of them..
have a splendid day!

Comment by Gilles Mansillon on 30 January 2008 at 12:29pm

that's sweet.. great video !!
I have always loved erasing drawing (my own), it give them a settled look :) didn't de kooning also erased a jones drawing?

Comment by Giulio Baistrocchi on 30 January 2008 at 12:31pm

Yes the problem of the oedipus complex in art is very strong, you ve so many father's uncles aunties grandmother's that are your shadow without even knowing. This is the weight of culture something that gives you an alphabet, but also a way of thinking which undermines your freedom. To solve your problem is reaching full maturity your indipendent path. In zen '' when you find the Buddha kill Him''

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