In Erased de Kooning Drawing, how is the Relationship to De Kooning and abstract expressionism discussed?
Despite partaking in two different art movements, Rauschenberg had known many of the Abstract Expressionists from his frequent visits to the Cedar Tavern in Greenwich Village. Rauschenberg decided to approach William De Kooning and ask him for a drawing which he could erase.  Rauschenberg was prepared for De Kooning to refuse the request, which would have made the work a performance piece. After Rauschenberg explained the concept for the piece, De Kooning decided to grant his request and provided him with a drawing that De Kooning would "miss". In later years, Rauschenberg would continue to make pieces that explored his relationship to the Abstract Expressionist, action painting and De Kooning himself. His piece Automobile Tire Print, which involved applying ink to the bottom of tires and driving along a 21 foot piece of paper, is typically seen as an homage to De Kooning and his love of brush work and driving.  Rauschenberg's pieces Factum I & Factum II explore the expressive mark making typically used by De Kooning and his colleagues. Factum I consists of mixed media and seemingly "random" marks and paint drips. Factum II is a calculated and painstaking recreation of Factum I. This could be read as Rauschenberg calling into question the authenticity of the Abstract Expressionists and their work.
Abstract Expressionists Cedar Tavern mixed media