A SWATCH RAUSCHENBERG OVERSEAS CULTURE INTERCHANGE [ROCI] WRIST WATCH, BY ROBERT RAUSCHENBERG

A SWATCH RAUSCHENBERG OVERSEAS CULTURE INTERCHANGE [ROCI] WRIST WATCH, BY ROBERT RAUSCHENBERG (AMERICAN 1925-2008)
green wrist watch by ROCI for RAUSCHENBERG OVERSEAS CULTURE INTERCHANGE, inscribed Swiss and ROCI on the mirror dial, stamped with Swiss made, 7730, stainless steel, water resistant, 3ATM on verso, edition 14/100; dimensions: 3 cm (1 1/8 in.), wrist band length: 24 cm (9 1/2 in.)

PROVENANCE
Gifted by Rauschenberg to the current owner

LOT NOTES
The?R.O.C.I. Watch?is from an edition of 100 produced by Swatch in 1991. The watch was created in conjunction with the Rauschenberg Overseas Culture Interchange (ROCI) project which Rauschenberg announced in December of 1984. The project was intended to promote?evolving collaborative process of art making with artists and artisans in foreign countries. Through ROCI, Rauschenberg sought to expand communication and understanding among diverse cultures. The project specifically included countries that were developing nations, controlled by totalitarian governments, or had little contact with the United States. The initial plan included twenty-two countries; ultimately, the project was realized in eleven countries?Mexico, Chile, Venezuela, China, Tibet, Japan, Cuba, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), Germany, Malaysia,?and the United States?from 1985 to 1991.

Rauschenberg?s pet turtle Rocky, who is featured on the watch, was?the project?s symbol. The same image of the turtle appeared on the catalogue for each respective venue.
Condition Report: CONDITIONThe watch is in very good condition, no visible issues to report, very minor signs of use. Possibly needs battery changed. Shapiro Auctions does not guarantee the working of this nor any other timepiece in the sale.N.B. All lots are sold in as-is condition at the time of sale. Please note that any condition statement regarding works of art is given as a courtesy to our clients in order to assist them in assessing the condition. The report is a genuine opinion held by Shapiro Auctions and should not be treated as a statement of fact. The absence of a condition report or a photograph does not preclude the absence of defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. Shapiro Auctions, LLC., including its consultants and agents, shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.