In post-war New York when Abstract Expressionism dominated, Rauschenberg declared that as an artist he would eliminate self-expression from art works. This strategy facilitates differentiation between Abstract Expressionism and Rauschenberg, but paradoxically relates the both as well. This essay surveys Rauschenberg's authorship in the context of 1950s New York art world, and explain how the position of the gays of 1950s is related to Rauschenberg's authorship in his works. Through this study, this essay will present Rauschenberg's authorship as Moderate and Closeted Opposition.
Keywords
Homophobia, authorship, Blake Mountain College, self-effacing, Queer Study