Wonder, 1994
Robert Rauschenberg
Collodion transfer and wax on canvas

Marcus Jansen was fourteen years old when he first saw an exhibition catalogue of Robert Rauschenberg’s work.  Rauschenberg often incorporated found objects and collage techniques in his compositions, which developed into his signature style.  This approach, Jansen has said, inspired him to continue on his path of becoming an artist.  Rauschenberg said, “Painting relates to both art and life.  Neither can be made.  (I try to act in that gap between the two.)”  This belief allowed Rauschenberg to create works that move between art and life and are in constant dialogue with the surrounding world.  Jansen’s use of found objects and collage techniques to create dialogue about the world is a direct influence of Rauschenberg’s approach to art making.