Robert Indiana was an American artist and a key figure in the Pop Art movement, best known for his bold, graphic works that fused text and imagery. His iconic LOVE design, first created for a 1965 Christmas card for the Museum of Modern Art, became one of the most recognizable symbols of 20th-century art, appearing in prints, sculptures, and even postage stamps.
Born Robert Clark in New Castle, Indiana, he adopted the name "Indiana" as a nod to his Midwestern roots. His work often drew on American culture, incorporating words, numbers, and symbols to explore themes of identity, history, and social commentary. Pieces like EAT/DIE and HOPE reveal his deep engagement with the complexities of the human experience and the American Dream.
Indiana's work has been exhibited in major institutions worldwide, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Museum of Modern Art. Beyond LOVE, his sculptures and paintings continue to influence the intersection of text, design, and art, solidifying his legacy as one of the most innovative and accessible artists of his time.