The artwork titled “Retroactive I” was created by Robert Rauschenberg in 1964. It is a silkscreen print that is representative of the Pop Art movement, a genre known for its incorporation of imagery from popular culture. The dimensions of the artwork are substantial, measuring 84 by 60 inches (213.4 x 152.4 cm). The figurative piece is part of the collection at the Wadsworth Atheneum located in Hartford, Connecticut, United States.
The artwork itself is a complex collage of imagery, featuring various elements that appear to be pulled from multiple sources such as photographs and printed media. It showcases a prominent figure overlaid with various graphical and abstract elements. The background and surroundings are made up of a patchwork of colors and textures, giving the piece a dynamic and layered appearance. The contrasts of photographic representation with abstract splashes of paint and color exemplify Rauschenberg’s signature style, blending the familiar with the artistic to challenge traditional perceptions of art.
