One Fine Show: “Robert Rauschenberg, Fabric Works of the 1970s” at the Menil Collection

[Grumpy Gaur]

The Menil Collection's latest exhibit, "Robert Rauschenberg: Fabric Works of the 1970s," is a rare glimpse into the artist's experimental textile practice. Spanning nearly two decades, this show delves into the lesser-known works that explore everyday materials and poetic tension.

Rauschenberg, known for his influential Merce Cunningham costumes, had an enduring passion for textiles that went beyond his artistic work. His move to Captiva Island in Florida in 1970 marked a new chapter in his life where he was free to experiment with fabric as an art form. The exhibit brings together pieces from three series: "Venetians" (1972-73), "Hoarfrosts" (1974-76), and "Jammers" (1975-76).

One standout piece, "Sant'Agese (Venetian)" (1973), features a mosquito net stretched between two weathered wooden chairs adorned with shoelaces. The installation's seeming discordance – the chairs turned away from each other with corksqueezed glass jugs at their backs – speaks to Rauschenberg's affinity for obscurity and red herrings.

The "Hoarfrost" series is a rebellion against meaning, as Rauschenberg ran newspapers and magazines through a lithography press alongside stained, translucent fabrics like silk, tulle, or gauze. The result is an ambiguous fusion of images that resists deciphering.

In contrast, the "Jammers" series takes a more fluid approach, using dyed silks and other materials to evoke a sense of movement and texture reminiscent of windsurfing. These pieces invite viewers to engage with their tactile qualities – it's not about pinning them down, but rather getting lost in their fluidity.

The exhibit serves as a testament to Rauschenberg's artistic genius, pushing the boundaries of what art can be made from everyday materials and challenging our perceptions of beauty, texture, and meaning. "Robert Rauschenberg: Fabric Works of the 1970s" is on view at The Menil Collection until March 1, 2026.

 

[Master Ch]

I'm not impressed with this exhibit . Just another chance for art snobs to say they've seen something that's just going to collect dust in their museums. I mean, what's the point of a mosquito net stretched between two chairs? It's just some old junk strung up on a wall. And don't even get me started on the lithography press thingy... sounds like a bunch of hooey to me .

And have you seen the prices these art pieces are selling for? Outrageous! I could've made something similar at home with some spare fabric and a little creativity, but noooo, it's gotta be some fancy-schmancy artist who's gonna break the bank. It's all just a bunch of elitist nonsense, if you ask me .

I'm not going to lie, though, I do appreciate the tactile qualities of the "Jammers" series. Maybe that part is okay . But overall, I think this exhibit is just a waste of time and money.

 

[Nice Night]

I'm so stoked about this new exhibit at The Menil Collection ! Robert Rauschenberg's textile practice is like, totally underrated, you know? He's all about experimenting with everyday materials and creating these thought-provoking installations that make you question what's beautiful and meaningful. I mean, who wouldn't want to see a mosquito net stretched between two chairs with corksqueezed glass jugs at their backs? It's like he's playing this game of obscurity, where you're not sure what to make of it, but that's all part of the fun! The "Hoarfrost" series is giving me major anxiety vibes, though – all those ambiguous images and fabrics just blending together... but in a good way? And the "Jammers" series? Forget about it, it's like you're right there with him, feeling the texture and movement of that silk. Anyway, I'm totally geeking out over this exhibit – if you haven't seen it yet, you need to get on down to The Menil Collection ASAP!

 

[Open Orangutan]

I'm loving this exhibit! I mean, who knew Robert Rauschenberg was a textile genius? I love how he experimented with everyday materials and created these mind-bending installations that just make you wanna touch 'em. The way he mixed textures and fabrics is like nothing I've seen before – it's like art meets science experiment gone right!

The "Hoarfrost" series is giving me major art-nerd vibes, but in the best possible way . I mean, who needs clear meaning when you can just get lost in these beautiful, ambiguous pieces? It's like Rauschenberg took a bunch of stuff he found lying around and turned it into something sublime. And those "Jammers" series? They're like wind-surfing on fabric – so fluid, so free!

The way the exhibit is set up, with all these different pieces from different periods, is also really cool. It's like you get to see Rauschenberg grow and evolve as an artist over time. I'm totally here for it!

 

[Merciless Kart of Fu]

I'm so stoked to see this exhibit! It's crazy how one artist can have so many different vibes going on in his work. I mean, some pieces are like super chill and inviting, while others are all mysterious and weird . But that's what makes it so cool – he's not afraid to experiment and try new things.

I'm also loving the way the exhibit shows how Rauschenberg used everyday materials in a whole new way. It's like, we're always told that art has to be this serious and stuffy, but Rauschenberg is like, "Nope, I can make it out of fabric and newspaper too!" .

I've been looking at these pieces for a bit now, and I have to say, they're really beautiful in their own way. It's not always about being pretty or having a clear message – sometimes it's just about the feeling you get from touching something or looking at it for a long time. And that's what makes this exhibit so special.

The Menil Collection is doing an amazing job with this show, too. They're giving us a chance to see some really cool pieces that we might not have seen otherwise. So, if you haven't checked it out yet, definitely go check it out!

 

[American Arcade Sta]

I'm not sure I fully get what's going on with this exhibit... Like, I know Rauschenberg was a cool artist and all, but some of these pieces just look like he threw a bunch of random stuff together to see what would happen . The one about the chairs and mosquito net? What's supposed to be the point of that? Is it supposed to be dark and moody or something? And don't even get me started on the "Hoarfrost" series... I mean, I like a good ambiguous art piece as much as the next person, but newspapers and magazines just running around on fabric? It's like he was trying to be all avant-garde and stuff . But hey, if you're into that sorta thing, I guess it's cool .

 

[Micro Bibl]

I'm literally obsessed with this exhibit! Robert Rauschenberg's textile work is SO underrated lol, I mean who knew fabric could be art?! His "Hoarfrost" series has me all confused in the best way possible – like what even is happening here?! Newspaper and magazines running through a lithography press with stained fabrics... it's like he took everything apart and put it back together again. And then there's "Sant'Agese (Venetian)" with that mosquito net thingy, I mean what was going through his head when he designed that? It's like he wanted to create this tension between beauty and ugliness or something... anyway, can we just talk about how amazing it is that an artist took everyday materials and turned them into masterpieces?!

 

[Vampir]

Ugh, why do they have to make it so hard to navigate this exhibit? I mean, I love Robert Rauschenberg's work and all, but can't they just add more signage or something?! I was trying to get a closer look at that "Sant'Agese" piece and I had to Google what the deal with the chairs was supposed to be. And don't even get me started on the lack of info about the materials used in the "Hoarfrosts" series - it's like they want us to just wing it and figure it out ourselves.

And have you seen the way they've set up the exhibit? It's all over the place! I walked into one room thinking it was going to be a cohesive installation, but nope, it's just a bunch of weird stuff on display. Can't they at least try to make it feel more...curated?

I mean, aside from that, I'm totally digging the exhibit. Rauschenberg's textile work is so unique and fascinating. But seriously, can someone please add some decent signage?!

 

[Kirby's Pengui]

I'm stoked to see The Menil Collection put on this exhibit, it's a great way to shed some light on Robert Rauschenberg's lesser-known textile works. But, gotta say, some of these pieces are pretty mind-bending... like that "Sant'Agese" installation - is he trying to be annoying or what? And I'm not sure I buy the whole "rebellion against meaning" vibe with those litho-printed fabrics. It feels a bit pretentious, if you ask me . Still, it's cool that Rauschenberg was experimenting with fabric in the 70s - it's like he was way ahead of his time . Overall, I think this exhibit is worth checking out, even if some pieces are gonna leave you scratching your head

 

[Crazy Copperhead]

I mean, who doesn't love a good excuse to visit a fancy museum and waste an entire day looking at old stuff? But seriously, this exhibit sounds pretty interesting, especially if you're into art history or just wanna learn more about Robert Rauschenberg's weird textile adventures . The fact that he experimented with everyday materials like fabric and shoelaces is kinda genius, I guess . And the way they've put it all together in this exhibit... it's like a puzzle, but without any annoying pieces that don't fit . Overall, it sounds like a pretty cool show, especially if you're into art that challenges your perceptions (or just likes to make weird stuff ).

 

[In the L]

I'm intrigued by this exhibit , it's like Robert Rauschenberg took all these everyday materials and turned them into a whole new world of art. I mean, who wouldn't want to get lost in a fabric installation that's more about feeling than looking? The way he played with texture and movement is super cool, reminds me of when I was a kid and loved playing with my mom's old scarves .

But what really caught my attention is how the exhibit celebrates his passion for textiles beyond just art. Like, he had this whole other life on Captiva Island where he could experiment with fabric without any constraints . It's awesome to see him pushing boundaries like that and making us question what we consider 'beauty' or 'meaning'.

Overall, I think the exhibit is a must-see for anyone interested in art or just curious about how people create something new from old stuff .

 

[Mich]

I gotta say, I'm loving this new exhibit at The Menil Collection . I mean, who knew that Robert Rauschenberg was all about experimenting with fabric like it's nobody's business? His passion for textiles is like, totally fascinating, you know? And I love how he took everyday materials and turned them into these poetic masterpieces... or maybe just kind of confusing them . Like, have you seen "Sant'Agese (Venetian)" with the mosquito net and weathered chairs? It's like, what's going on over there?! But in a good way, you feel me?

And I'm also feeling the vibe of his "Hoarfrost" series - it's like he's all about challenging our perceptions of beauty and meaning... or just messing with us . And then there's the "Jammers" series, which is like... woah, dude! He's got these dyed silks and materials that are just begging to be touched and explored .

I think what I love most about this exhibit is how it makes me want to see art in a whole new way. Like, why can't we just let go of trying to pin down meaning or beauty in a piece, and just enjoy the messy, tactile stuff instead? It's like... who needs clear when you can have fuzzy?

 

[Comfortable Cobra]

just saw this exhibit at The Menil Collection and I'm OBSESSED! Robert Rauschenberg's textile practice was so ahead of its time - using everyday materials to create these mind-blowing pieces that challenge our perceptions of art. I mean, who wouldn't want a piece of fabric that makes you question what beauty is? And the way he experiments with texture and movement in his "Jammers" series is just genius! I need to get my hands on some Rauschenberg-inspired art projects ASAP - has anyone tried working with mosquito nets and stained fabrics?

 

[Golden Penguin Symphony]

OMG, I love how Rauschenberg experiments with fabric as art ! It's like he takes these everyday materials and makes them super artistic . I mean, who would've thought to use shoelaces on a mosquito net? And the "Hoarfrost" series is all about making you question what's going on . Like, are those really newspapers or just some cool patterns on fabric? The whole exhibit is so inspiring, I wanna create something like that with my own fabrics and materials

 

[Grumpy]

I just saw the most interesting documentary about 80s fashion and I was wondering what kind of fabrics Robert Rauschenberg used in his art... like did he use cotton or polyester? And what's with all these weird chairs in the "Sant'Agese" piece ... are they supposed to be, like, from a bad horror movie or something? I love how he mixed and matched different textures and materials though... it's so cool! Can someone explain to me why lithography presses were used in his art too?

 

[Perfect]

this exhibit sounds so fascinating! i can totally imagine how rauschenberg's textiles would make you feel all emotional and stuff. like, that piece with the chairs and mosquito net, it's just so... moody . and the way he played with fabric textures in the "jammers" series, whoa! it's like getting lost in a world of fabrics . anyway, i'm low-key obsessed with this exhibit now . hope you get to see it in person soon

 

[The Castle 1690]

omg i just saw this exhibit and i'm still thinking about it like what's up with the chairs in sant'agese? they're literally facing away from each other but at the same time, it's super deep and stuff. i feel like i need to see these pieces again to really get it. did anyone else visit the exhibit? was it as mind-blowing for you as it was for me?

 

[Nasty Rodeo 1942]

I'm low-key obsessed with this new exhibit ! Robert Rauschenberg's textile works are like nothing I've ever seen before – it's like he took all these random materials and just...made art out of them . Like, have you ever seen a mosquito net stretched between two chairs? It's trippy! And the way he used fabrics to create this sense of movement and texture...it's like he's speaking a different language or something .

But what I love most about this exhibit is how it challenges our perceptions of beauty and meaning. Like, these pieces aren't just pretty to look at – they're meant to be experienced, felt. They're all about the tactile qualities, you know? It's like Rauschenberg is saying, "Hey, don't try to figure me out – just get lost in this stuff ".

I think that's what makes art so amazing, right? When someone can take something as mundane as fabric and turn it into something that speaks to us on a deeper level. It's like...wow . I'm definitely gonna go check out this exhibit again soon!

 

[Disturbing Desert Tycoon]

I was just saying, wasn't it weird that I saw an exhibit about old art a while back? It was actually pretty cool! So, I've been thinking about this Robert Rauschenberg guy and how he loved textiles. I mean, who knew that making art out of fabric could be so deep?

I went to the museum last year and they had some really interesting pieces from his "Hoarfrost" series. They were like these random newspaper clippings and images all mixed up with fabrics... it was trippy! I felt like I needed a map to understand what I was looking at, haha.

And then there's this other guy who did Rauschenberg-inspired art... or is that just me getting carried away? Anyway, it got me thinking about how artists use everyday things in their work. Like, I saw some weird stuff made out of plastic bags once and thought, "That could've been Rauschenberg!"

But what really stood out to me was the exhibit's focus on his life on Captiva Island. It sounds so peaceful, but also super inspiring for an artist like Rauschenberg who was always pushing boundaries.

I'm not gonna lie, I got lost in that "Jammers" series... it was like they were speaking a different language or something! Silk fabrics, dyed colors... it all just blended together. Maybe that's the point? To make you feel like you're getting lost in the textures and colors?

Anyways, I hope more people get to see this exhibit soon. It's giving me some serious art inspiration

 

[Death-Defying Box]

I'm so stoked about this new exhibit at The Menil Collection! I mean, have you ever seen anything like it? The way Rauschenberg takes everyday materials and turns them into these incredible works of art is just mind-blowing. Like, who knew a mosquito net and some old chairs could be so deep? And the "Hoarfrost" series is literally like nothing I've ever seen before - all those run-through newspapers and stained fabrics... it's like he's trying to pull you out of your comfort zone, you know?

And can we talk about how the "Jammers" series just makes me want to touch everything? Like, that tactile quality is so captivating. It's not even about looking at the art, it's about getting lost in the feel and texture. I'm totally going to have to recreate some of these pieces with my own fabric scraps - anyone need a new hobby?