Certainly there are many infinitely more qualified friends, historians and art critics who could have written a more insightful article about Bob Rauschenberg but when John Gilchrist, the editor of this culturally iconic magazine, asked me to pen a few thoughts I felt honored to oblige. It was the early eighties when I first crossed paths with “the world’s most famous living artist,” a quote I have heard repeated numerous times and to me it seemed to be a pretty good title to go by. But I don’t think the owner of that title was even remotely interested in titles, or for that matter, the fame he wore effortlessly with a smile and mischievous twinkle in the eye. Furthermore, I am fairly convinced that he didn’t even care if you liked his art or not, though I’m sure he would have had much more respect for your intellect if you did. What I do think Bob Rauschenberg cared about is people. All types of people from all over the world, especially those who were facing a struggle of some sort. Some of his charities were high profile affairs, such as the work he’s done over the years supporting the efforts of ACT, Abuse Counseling Treatment serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. But for the most part, like his art itself, his acts of charity were a bit of a mystery. Fortunately there’s another local charity that now bears his name, the heretofore struggling Aids Resource Council. Guided by the tireless efforts of Dr. Swartz, it is now the Robert Rauschenberg Center For Living. It’s a pretty good bet that Mr. Rauschenberg’s name will make the fundraising efforts a lot easier for such a worthwhile organization. Which has me thinking about art at perhaps it’s highest level: the ability to evoke emotion, while at the same time raising awareness and even money for worthwhile causes. If that’s the legacy that Robert Rauschenberg left behind, then let’s hope that every artist on the planet takes notice and helps to carry on that fine legacy.

John Biffar has filmed Mr. Rauschenberg for CBS Sunday Morning Show and other news programs.

Champagne Taittinger and Robert Rauschenberg

Champagne Taittinger has established a gateway between two worlds that are traditionally “worlds apart”, namely Art and Industry. In this way it has acted as a go-between for these two worlds, by asking a number of renowned artists to depict champagne and its myths, and in doing so, to tell something about themselves.

They have been doing so with eloquence since 1983 when Victor Vasarely started the series which now boasts the signatures of Arman, André Masson, Vieira da Silva, Roy Lichtenstein, Hans Hartung, Toshimitsu Imaï, Corneille, Matta, Zao Wou-Ki and now, Southwest Florida’s own Robert Rauschenberg.

The Blend: Blend of 50% Chardonnay grapes, mainly Grands Crus from the Côte des Blancs area, and 50% Pinot Noir grapes grown on the Montagne de Reims and in the Vallée de la Marne vineyards.