Full Fathom Five is a mixed media sculpture created by American artist Robert Rauschenberg in 1960. The artwork is made up of various objects, including a stuffed goat, a rubber tire, a paint tube, and other found materials that have been cast in polyester resin. Full Fathom Five measures 70 inches by 60 inches and was created during the height of the Pop Art movement.
The painting’s title refers to Ariel’s song from William Shakespeare’s play “The Tempest”. In the song, Ariel sings about the death of Ferdinand’s father at sea and describes his transformation into coral and pearls. This theme of transformation is relevant to Rauschenberg’s work as he often used found objects in his art that were transformed into something new.
Full Fathom Five is an example of Rauschenberg’s “combine” paintings – works that combine elements of sculpture and painting. The artwork has a three-dimensional quality with its protruding objects embedded within its surface. It also features layers of paint drips, splatters, and brushstrokes over the materials.
Rauschenberg was interested in exploring themes such as consumerism and mass production through his art. He believed that everyday objects could be elevated to become art if they were presented in a new context or arrangement. Full Fathom Five exemplifies this philosophy as it takes ordinary objects like a tire or paint tube and transforms them into something beautiful.
The artwork has been displayed at numerous museums around the world since its creation over six decades ago. Its current location is at the Museum Ludwig in Cologne, Germany.
In conclusion, Full Fathom Five represents Robert Rauschenberg’s experimentation with combining different mediums to create something unique while elevating everyday items into high art pieces. It stands out for its combination of found materials embedded within layers upon layers of drips, splatters, brushstrokes – all captured within polyester resin – which creates an artwork that is both a painting and sculpture.