Susan–Central Park N.Y.C. (III) 1951

Robert Rauschenberg made this photograph in Central Park, New York, and, well, it feels like a shared moment, doesn’t it? Look at how Susan seems to melt into the landscape. The striped fabric of her dress echoes the verticality of the tree. It's like Rauschenberg is saying, "Hey, we're all just part of this big, beautiful mess." The texture of the tree bark, rough and gnarled, contrasts with the smooth planes of her face, drawing our eye in. She has one arm raised, reaching into the space of the tree, like a gesture, not quite knowing what she’s reaching for. Rauschenberg made a lot of art about being a human in the world. Like Jasper Johns, who he hung out with, he was fascinated by how art can blur the line between life and representation. He shows us here that art isn't about answers, it's about the ongoing conversation.