ROCI USA research guide

This guide provides links to a selection of digitized or online materials related specifically to ROCI USA. Materials provided in this guide are for reference and research purposes only. For reproduction requests, email the archives.

 

Overview 
The final Rauschenberg Overseas Culture Interchange (ROCI) exhibition, Rauschenberg Overseas Culture Interchange: ROCI USA, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. All ROCI works, inspired by the eleven host countries, are exhibited. A selection of Rauschenberg’s photographs taken during his travels is also included, and travelogue videos made by members of his team run continuously on monitors throughout the show.

 

Artwork
The Wax Fire Works (1990-1991) series was made for the final Rauschenberg Overseas Culture Interchange exhibition, ROCI USA, held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., in 1991. Made in association with Saff Tech Arts, Oxford, Maryland, the works were executed using a technique that Rauschenberg coined “fire wax,” when wax, containing pigment, was painted or silkscreened onto polished aluminum supports and fixed using heat, as in traditional encaustic painting.

View select Wax Fire Works series artworks (RRF website)
View artwork checklist (PDF)

 

Archival Documents 
Archival documents including invitations and other materials related to the ROCI USA exhibition. 

View select digitized archival materials (PDF)

 

Catalogue
Exhibition catalogue for Rauschenberg Overseas Culture Interchange exhibition, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D. C., May 12–Sept. 2, 1991.

View catalogue excerpt, pages 154-192 (PDF)

 

Documentary Photographs 
Documentary photographs including installation images, travel snapshots and other images related to the ROCI USA exhibition. 

View select digitized documentary photographs (PDF)

 

Press
Press related to the exhibition.

View press clippings and press kit (PDFs)

 

Other Materials (not digitized)
The majority of archival materials related to ROCI are not yet digitized and must be accessed onsite at the Foundation. Comprehensive information on these collections is found on the Archives Collections webpage. To find listings on related materials once on this page, scroll to the desired collection, download the finding aid PDF, and keyword search for "ROCI."

Below is a list of recommended collections to search. Email archives for help or questions.

  • Audiovisual Collection
  • Charles Yoder records related to the Rauschenberg Studio
  • Donald Saff records on Rauschenberg Overseas Culture Interchange (ROCI)
  • Photograph Collection
  • Robert Rauschenberg papers
A two-story interior courtyard, with a large, colorful, banner-like artwork handing from the ceiling on the left, a large staircase on the right, and numerous, colorful artworks visible in the distance.

Installation view of the Rauschenberg Overseas Culture Interchange exhibition (also known as ROCI USA) at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1991. Photo: Attributed to the National Gallery of Art.