So that ideas of sort of relaxed symmetry have been something for years that I have been concerned with because I think that symmetry is a neutral shape as opposed to a form of design.

The quote by Robert Rauschenberg reflects his experimental approach to art and design. When he speaks of “relaxed symmetry,” he suggests a preference for balance that feels organic and flexible rather than rigid or overly structured. For Rauschenberg, pure symmetry is a neutral shape, meaning it lacks expressive power and does not embody intentional creativity. Instead of treating symmetry as a form of design, he saw it as something static, a starting point to be challenged rather than celebrated.

By distancing himself from strict symmetry, Rauschenberg emphasizes his belief in spontaneity, irregularity, and openness in artistic composition. His work often combined unconventional materials and found objects, creating pieces that felt alive and dynamic. To him, design was about meaning and interaction, not about adhering to fixed visual formulas. “Relaxed symmetry” represented a compromise—allowing some sense of order, but without restricting creativity.

This perspective ties directly to his role as a pioneer of abstract expressionism, pop art, and later conceptual art. Rauschenberg constantly blurred the boundaries between painting, sculpture, and design, rejecting traditional artistic rules. His statement reveals his philosophy that art should not be confined to neat or symmetrical shapes but should engage with complexity, imperfection, and surprise.

The origin of this quote lies in Rauschenberg’s lifelong exploration of composition and form. From his early Combines—hybrid works mixing paint with everyday objects—to his later large-scale projects, he consistently resisted conventional design principles. His words about symmetry capture his broader artistic philosophy: that true design is not about neutral balance but about creating works that evoke, challenge, and transform perception.