Homage
To Rauschenberg

Homage to Rauschenberg encapsulates Peter Blake's admiration for Robert Rauschenberg's groundbreaking contributions to the art world. Each print in the series is a meticulously crafted collage, featuring a rich tapestry of imagery that pays tribute to Rauschenberg's pioneering techniques and eclectic aesthetic. Blake's use of silkscreen printing, combined with gold leaf, diamond dust, embossing, and glazes, adds depth and texture to the compositions, forming a tapestry of pop culture references.

The medium of collage has consistently defined Blake's artistic repertoire, enabling him to seamlessly blend discovered artefacts, human figures, and various artworks. Screenprinting, renowned for its utilisation of stencils and layered application, aligns seamlessly with this method. Notably, it was the Pop Art movement that fully recognised screenprinting's capacity as a medium for intricate reproduction.

The collages in Homage To Rauschenberg reflect Rauschenberg's own fascination with found objects and everyday materials. Blake incorporates elements such as book covers, vintage postcards, photographs, a Coca-Cola material badge, an American flag, and a Mickey Mouse board game, mirroring Rauschenberg's innovative approach to artistic expression. Through these disparate elements, Blake pays homage to Rauschenberg's ability to transform ordinary objects into works of art, blurring the boundaries between art and everyday material objects.

Blake's statement about the series underscores the profound impact Rauschenberg had on his artistic development. He acknowledges Rauschenberg as a pivotal figure who inspired him during the formative years of his career. While Blake's prints in this series are a departure from Rauschenberg's abstract expressionistic style, they embody the spirit of experimentation and innovation that defined Rauschenberg's oeuvre.