Robert Clark
Robert Clark;Indiana
Place: New Castle
Born: 1928
Death: 2018
Biography:
Robert Indiana, born Robert Clark on September 13, 1928, in New Castle, Indiana, was an American artist associated with the Pop Art movement. He was adopted as an infant by Earl Clark and Carmen Watters. In 1962, he had his first New York solo exhibition at Eleanor Ward's Stable Gallery. Indiana's work has been represented by Paul Kasmin Gallery in New York City, Waddington Custot in London, and Galerie Gmurzynska in Zurich.
Early Life and Career
Indiana's career took off in the early 1960s after Alfred H. Barr Jr., bought The American Dream, I for the Museum of Modern Art. In 1964, Indiana moved from Coenties Slip to a five-story building at Spring Street and the Bowery. He began renting the upstairs of the 100-year-old Victorian-style Odd Fellows Hall named "The Star of Hope" in the island town of Vinalhaven, Maine.
Artistic Style and Influences
Indiana is mostly known for his iconic image LOVE, which was first created in 1964 in the form of a card. He sent these cards to several friends and acquaintances in the art world. In 1965, Indiana was invited to propose an artwork to be featured on the Museum of Modern Art's annual Christmas card. The museum selected the most intense color combination in red, blue, and green. It became one of the most popular cards the museum has ever offered.
- Pop Art movement: Indiana's work is characterized by bold, bright colors and incorporation of imagery from popular culture.
- Influences: His biggest inspiration was Ellsworth Kelly, whom he met in 1956.
- Artistic style: Indiana's style is a unique blend of hard-edge and pop art elements.
Legacy and Impact
Indiana's artwork has been featured in numerous exhibitions around the world and is included in the permanent collections of many major museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, New York; Tate Modern, London; and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. For more information on Indiana's work, visit Robert Clark or check out his biography on Eleanor Ward's Stable Gallery.
