Robert Rauschenberg said he used his own quilt for "BED" because he had nothing else to paint on. Likewise, for "Extreme Weather" I used an old military sleeping bag because that is what I had on hand.
Extreme Weather
For "Extreme Weather," I used a military extreme cold-weather sleeping bag and a poncho liner in a nod to Robert Rauschenberg's "BED" as follows:
1. Rauschenberg was considered a predecessor of Pop Art due to use of everyday items. I use gear soldiers use everyday.
2. Rauschenberg merged post-war abstract painting with found objects. I combine post-war abstract painting with surplus objects.
3. Rauschenberg took "BED" and mounted it on a wall. I entered "Extreme Weather" in the 2019 International Society of Experimental Artist exhibition where it was mounted on a wall.
4. "Bed" is considered a self-portrait. I began by using discarded Army surplus to communicate personal experiences.
BED, 1955, Robert Rauschenberg (American, 1925–2008)
Oil and pencil on pillow, quilt, and sheet on wood supports, 75 1/4 x 31 1/2 x 8" (191.1 x 80 x 20.3 cm)
MoMA - Gift of Leo Castelli in honor of Alfred H. Barr, Jr.