Bidspirit auction | Rauschenberg ”Samarkand Stitches III” Textile

Rauschenberg ”Samarkand Stitches III” Textile 1988 - Robert Rauschenberg (American, 1925-2008). Screenprint in colors on sewn fabric collage titled ”Samarkand Stitches III, ” 1988. Number 40 from an edition of 74 unique variants. The central panel depicting a vibrant ikat pattern, flanked along either side with panels depicting screen-printed images of the U.S.S.R. With sewn signature and date along the lower right. Inscribed in pen ”40,” sewn ”III, ” initialed, and further dated and noted ”88-162” along a label sewn to the verso. Published by Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles, with stitched copyright label along the verso. The work was created as part of the artist's ”Rauschenberg Overseas Culture Interchange (ROCI)” project and inspired by a July 1988 visit to Uzbekistan and the ancient Silk Road city of Samarkand. At the time of Rauschenberg's visit, the territory was part of the U.S.S.R. The composition includes both fabrics sourced during the artist's travels and fabrics acquired domestically in the United States, screen-printed with photographs taken by the artist during the visit abroad. Reference: Exhibition; ”ROCI: Rauschenberg Overseas Culture International, ” National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., May 12 - September 2, 1991. ”ROCI: Rauschenberg Overseas Culture International, ” National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., (1991); p. 62. Provenance: Douglas Flanders Gallery, 1994; Collection of Ellen Wells. Reference: RRF 88.E022. Length: 59 1/2 in x width: 46 in. Condition: The colors are bold and bright. There are no tears or losses. Light wear along the extreme upper edge, including light fraying to the silk. No stains. The work is not framed.