©Robert Rauschenberg, Booster, 1967, 4 color lithograph/silkscreen, 72″ x 335 1/2″

A few weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to have a preview of the exhibition, Robert Rauschenberg at Gemini G.E.L: Celebrating Four Decades of Innovation and Collaboration, shown in the gallery of the iconic Gemini G.E.L. studios and workshop in Los Angeles. The exhibition will be on view September 20 – December 19, 2025, at Gemini G.E.L. in Los Angeles, with a companion exhibition at Gemini G.E.L. at Joni Moisant Weyl in New York, on view September 2 – December 20, 2025. Together, the two exhibitions honor the centennial of Robert Rauschenberg (1925–2008), one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, and celebrate his remarkable four decade collaboration with Gemini.

It was thrilling to see selections of incredible prints, but also to tour the print studios filled with the echoes of so many significant artists. Rauschenberg’s relationship with Gemini began in February 1967, when the artist traveled to the Los Angeles publisher to embark on his first project. From the outset, the collaboration was marked by experimentation and invention. His first edition, Booster, (see above) conceived as “a self-portrait of inner man,” was intended to include a single, full-body Xray. When this proved technically impossible in Los Angeles, Rauschenberg and Gemini’s founders adapted: the artist was scanned in six sections, resulting in a monumental print over six feet tall. This willingness to embrace limitation and transform it into possibility set the tone for a partnership that would span four decades and yield some of the most ambitious prints and multiples of the 20th century.

Moving the enormous limestone for Waves (Stoned Moon Series), 1969 © 1969 Malcolm Lubliner

Robert Rauschenberg in the early morning, cycling in the Gemini G.E.L. parking lot after an all-night session proofing the ‘Stoned Moon Series’ © 1969 Sidney B. Felsen

Robert Rauschenberg (1925–2008) was among the very first artists to work at Gemini G.E.L. His presence and example drew other leading artists to the publisher, expanding its influence and fostering a culture of collaboration that remains vital today. His conviction that art could nurture sensibilities and foster community was central to his practice. As one of Gemini’s most prolific collaborators, he created more than 250 editions across forty years, leaving a body of work that continues to resonate globally.

Courtesy of Gemini G.E.L

©Robert Rauschenberg (RR69-301) Sky Garden, 1969, 6 color lithograph, 89″ x 42″

©Robert Rauschenberg (RR73-636) Link, 1974, Handmade paper pigment, screenprinted tissue, laminated to paper pul, 25″ x 20″

©Robert Rauschenberg (RR74-688) Preview, 1974, Transfer of offset lithographed and newspaper images, collage of paper bag and fabric 69″ x 80 1/2″

©Robert Rauschenberg, Tibetan Keys 1986

R to L: Robert Rauschenberg, Gregory Peck, Joni Weyl (back turned), Darryl Pottorf, and Francine Matarrazo on the Gemini Patio. Rauschenberg is working on ‘Borealis Shares’ project. August, 1990

©Robert Rauschenberg (RR98-5255) L.A. Uncovered #12, 1998

©Robert Rauschenberg (RR98-5255) L.A. Uncovered #1, 1998

Courtesy of Gemini G.E.L

Courtesy of Gemini G.E.L

Courtesy of Gemini G.E.L

About Gemini G.E.L.

Founded in 1966, Gemini G.E.L. is a Los Angeles–based publisher and artists’ workshop for limited-edition fine art prints and sculptures, complemented by two on-site galleries – one of which was designed by Frank Gehry and completed in 1979 – that showcases the works it produces. One of the gallery’s two adjoining spaces was designed by Frank Gehry and was completed in 1979. Located at 8365 Melrose Avenue in the city’s arts and design district, Gemini has collaborated with many of the most influential artists of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, including John Baldessari, Vija Celmins, Tacita Dean, Philip Guston, Ann Hamilton, David Hockney, Jasper Johns, Ellsworth Kelly, Roy Lichtenstein, Julie Mehretu, Isamu Noguchi, Claes Oldenburg, Robert Rauschenberg, Ed Ruscha, Analia Saban, and Richard Serra, among others. Gemini has produced some of the era’s most celebrated editioned multiples through lithography, etching, screen-printing, woodcut, and various sculptural media. Collaboration is strictly by invitation, and many artists return over decades to embark on new projects, reflecting the long-standing relationships and innovative spirit that define Gemini.

Now stewarded by the families of co-founders Sidney B. Felsen (1924–2022) and Stanley Grinstein (1930–2014), Gemini continues with the same ethos: to bring artists’ visions to life through creativity, problem-solving, experimentation, and innovation. In 2026, Gemini will celebrate its 60th anniversary, affirming its place as one of the longest-standing and most influential artists’ publishers and galleries in the American West.

Instagram @geminigel