Carnal Clocks (1969)

A series of unique timepieces consisting of metal boxes, mounted on metal legs and feet, that each measure 5 feet square. They feature a mirrored Plexiglas face composed of silkscreened photographs taken by Rauschenberg; these include genitals, animals, and other images characteristic of the artist. A timing mechanism switches electrical lights on and off at regular intervals. Behind the Plexiglas are two concentric rings of bulbs that illuminate the silkscreened imagery from behind and keep time. The brighter inner ring bulbs denote hours, while dimmer outer bulbs are minutes. At noon and midnight, the clocks are fully lit.