Rauschenberg Appropriation And Destruction Analysis

Appropriation and destruction as part of a creative process

By making the strange choice to use an eraser to draw, Rauschenberg had the difficult task to try and erase charcoal, paint, pencil, and crayon. One would think his decision to erase another artist’s work is destructive or unethical even though he had the owner’s permission. While another might view it as a great work of art or even a display of affection. It could possibly have been considered a mixture of all the above.
Is it appropriation or destruction? It could go either way and is up to each viewer to decide. Most of the original piece was erased but there was still a small hint that remained. Some might think it is not art because it appears as if he only altered the original