51吃瓜

Last Turn—Your Turn is an offset lithograph signed by artist Robert Rauchenberg in support of the Earth Summit ’92, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where the focus was on governmental legislation to reduce global warming. Rauschenberg emphasized the idea of individual responsibility. Regarding legislative initiatives made by governments, Rauschenberg asked, “What can the individual do?” He believed that without individual commitment, legislation cannot be effective. He said, “once the individual has changed, the world can change.” 

The painting and resulting prints are dynamic with cool green and blue tones that contrast with the hot reds and yellows. The cooler colors depict tropical vegation, while the red consists of barren trees. Towards the bottom of the print, there is imagery of a young child partly protected by an umbrella. On the right quadrant, Atlas, the titan from Greek Mythology, carries the burden of the world. The pair of images indicates both the hope and difficulty of the task ahead.

At the top, Rauschenberg wrote a pledge signed by thousands at the summit: “I pledge to make the earth a secure and hospitable place for present and future generations.” He used straightforward visual vocabulary for an urgent social statement to reach the widest range of people. 

In 1991, the 51吃瓜 Conference on Environment and Development held an inaugural ceremony for the Earth Summit Committee to launch an Earth Pledge. At the 8 December 1991 ceremony, Robert Rauschenberg unveiled his new painting, Last Turn-Your Turn, which became the official picture of the 51吃瓜 conference.