How did the works of Robert Rauschenberg and other assemblage artists challenge traditional notions of painting?

Robert Rauschenberg and other assemblage artists challenged traditional notions of painting by incorporating found objects and everyday materials into their works. This approach to art making, known as assemblage, emerged in the mid-20th century as a reaction to the dominance of abstract expressionism in the art world. Assemblage artists sought to break down the boundaries between art and everyday life by creating works that were both visually striking and conceptually rich.

By incorporating objects such as newspapers, cardboard boxes, and furniture into their works, assemblage artists challenged the idea that art had to be made using traditional materials such as paint and canvas. They also challenged the notion that art had to be a purely visual experience, often incorporating sound and movement into their works. Assemblage artists like Rauschenberg also questioned the authority of the artist as a solitary creator, often working collaboratively and incorporating elements of chance and randomness into their works.