The art of Robert Indiana is among the most iconic of the Pop movement. His bold creations, energized with contrasting colors, resulted in powerful images that demanded attention. The artist, whose last name was actually Clark, was born in Indiana in 1928. After studying at the Art Institute of Chicago and in Europe, Indiana arrived in New York in 1956. He became fascinated with advertising and its effect on consumer culture, which led to his use of colorful graphics that were layered with words and numbers. The strength of his imagery and its immediate impact created tremendous interest in Indiana’s work.

Indiana moved to the forefront of the Pop movement and was soon being featured in exhibitions at leading galleries and museums, including the Museum of Modern Art. It was that institution’s use of his painting “LOVE” for their 1965 Christmas card, as well as it being used on a stamp issued by the United States Postal Service, that expanded his popularity dramatically. With the creation of his twelve-foot high “LOVE” sculpture for the Indianapolis Museum of Indiana, his design reached its ultimate expression.

In addition to painting and sculpting, Indiana found a perfect vehicle for his art in printmaking. He produced a number of original prints through the years, including his famous “Hope” series that was used as a fundraiser for Obama’s 2018 presidential campaign. Indiana’s art has been the subject of numerous major exhibitions worldwide, and following his passing in 2018, the scope of his tremendous contributions is now fully realized.