Neon Pop

Detail of Green Shirt (1965) by Robert Rauschenberg


When visiting the Norton Simon Museum, I rarely walk around towards the back side of the building, overlooking the parking lot. On those occasions that I have, I've noticed this work by Robert Rauschenberg, Green Shirt, a fine example of neon Pop Art, but I haven't ever seen it turned on.

This weekend, the lights were colorful and bright.

I had wondered about this piece previously. But there isn't much info available on the work, at least not on the Internet. Doing an image search only turns up a few photos, most of which don't show things in detail.

Detail of Green Shirt (1965) by Robert Rauschenberg

So, I figured that I'd share a few photos for you all. ;-)

Here's the overall composition:

Green Shirt (1965) by Robert Rauschenberg, on view at the Norton Simon Museum

And here are a few more details:

Detail of Green Shirt (1965) by Robert Rauschenberg

Detail of Green Shirt (1965) by Robert Rauschenberg

As regards what it's about, I really don't know. I can say that the neon glow provides a nice play of colors, hot and cold, which draws the eye across the composition. The repetition of images likewise establishes a visual pattern that drives the eye, creating the feeling of a symbolic narrative.

But what does it mean? Your guess is as good as mine. ;-)

Enjoy!!!