This is art because it makes me think. I cannot passively view this image without thinking about the artist's intentions and the ideas it evokes in me. This piece is so successful as art for me because of the self-questioning I engage in to respond to the art. Viewing this piece, I try to make a narrative out of the jumble. I realize that I have a subconscious preference for order/hierarchy. Was this preference a social construct I have internalized? Am I constantly battling this frame of mind by looking at this piece or am I actually reinforcing the concept of order over chaos as I create meaning out of seemingly disconnected symbols? Is the only difference between chicken and man the architecture of our cages? Chickens have wire. Humans have more elaborate columns, yet also invisible systems of oppression. Is this what this piece means? I like Rauschenberg because he provides us no definite meaning. I relate to it almost through stream of consciousness, allowing my own thoughts to be mapped over it. Maybe this is a selfish process, since I'm always right?
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