"And I think a painting has such a limited life anyway"
- Robert Rauschenberg
About this Quote
This quote by Robert Rauschenberg talks to the ephemeral nature of art. He is suggesting that a painting, like any other artwork, has a limited life-span. This might be interpreted in a few methods. First of all, it might describe the physical lifespan of a painting, which goes through the components and can fade or degrade over time. Second of all, it might describe the life-span of a painting in regards to its relevance and effect. A painting might be popular and widely appreciated in one age, however its relevance may lessen in time as tastes and patterns change. Lastly, it might describe the lifespan of a painting in regards to its impact on other artists. A painting might influence other artists to develop their own works, but its influence might eventually fade as brand-new works concern the forefront. Eventually, Rauschenberg is recommending that a painting, like any other artwork, has a minimal lifespan.
"Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday"