Robert Indiana

Robert Indiana, born on September thirteenth, nineteen twenty-eight, was a prominent American artist closely associated with the pop art movement. He is best known for his iconic LOVE image, which he first created in nineteen sixty-four as a card sent to friends and acquaintances within the art community. This simple yet powerful design would go on to become a hallmark of his career.

In nineteen sixty-five, Indiana was invited to propose an artwork for the Museum of Modern Art's annual Christmas card. He submitted several twelve-inch square oil on canvas variations of his LOVE image, with the museum selecting the most vibrant color combination of red, blue, and green. This card became one of the museum's most popular offerings, further solidifying Indiana's place in the art world.

Continuing to evolve his LOVE series, Indiana collaborated with Marian Goodman of Multiples, Inc. in nineteen sixty-six to create his first LOVE sculpture in aluminum. By nineteen seventy, he completed his first monumental LOVE sculpture in Cor-Ten steel, which is now part of the collection at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions globally and is included in the permanent collections of major institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Tate Modern in London, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Beyond his contributions as a painter and sculptor, Indiana played a significant role in the LGBTQ rights movement, particularly after it was revealed that his famous LOVE artwork was inspired by the breakup with fellow artist Ellsworth Kelly. Indiana's diverse talents also extended to designing stage sets and costumes for the opera The Mother of Us All, showcasing his multifaceted artistic abilities.