Rauschenberg At Dwan: Drawings Dwan Gallery Exhibition Announcement

Rauschenberg At Dwan: Drawings exhibition announcement for Robert Rauschenberg's show at Dwan Gallery on April 3, 1965. Designed by Rauschenberg, this poster features an untitled self-portrait. Lithographed by Total Color New York. Folded into eight quarters as issued. 

Dimensions
22 x 25″ / 56.7 x 63.3 cm

Virginia Dwan conducted and operated galleries in Los Angeles (1959-1967) and in New York (1965-1971). Born in 1931 and heir to the Minnesota, Mining and Manufacturing fortune (now 3M), Dwan first worked for the art dealer and gallerist Frank Perls in Beverly Hills. In 1959 she opened a gallery at 1091 Broxton Avenue in Westwood Village in Los Angeles. At first, she exhibited the work of abstract expressionists from New York. After traveling to France and discovering the art of the nouveaux réalistes, she also promoted their work in solo and group shows. She introduced Robert Rauschenberg, Claes Oldenburg, and Yves Klein to Los Angeles.

In June 1962, Dwan opened a new and expanded space at 10846 Lindbrook Drive, also in Westwood Village, which was designed by Morris Verger, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. It was inaugurated with an exhibition on the French assemblage artist Arman, one of the founders of nouveau réalisme. Two months later, the show, My Country 'Tis of Thee featured works by Andy Warhol, Marisol, and Claes Oldenburg. During this period, Dwan also promoted the artists Edward Kienholz, Niki de Saint Phalle, Mark di Suvero, and James Rosenquist.

Dwan, who was independently wealthy, was known for her generosity. She maintained close relationships with many of the artists she exhibited, often granting them large stipends or inviting them to her home in Malibu. She was not interested in achieving financial success as an art dealer or gallerist and could take risks in the artists she chose to work with.