LOVE outside at the IMA in the early years
Robert Indiana was born in 1928 as Robert Clark. He changed his name to Indiana in 1958 to show his roots in the Midwest. His first widespread use of the stacked four letters of “LOVE” was a Christmas card in 1964 for the New York Museum of Modern Art. This design creation led to the LOVE sculpture constructed of Cor-ten steel in 1970. LOVE in steel was first put on display at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. It made the rounds of several American cities for five years until it returned to the IMA. After needed restoration was performed due to weathering of the steel, it is now displayed inside the museum building to protect it from the elements.
Permanent display inside the IMA
Remember 8 cent stamps?
The design was also the inspiration of a USPS 8 cent stamp in 1973. Countless copies of the statue were made and sold over the years, however Robert Indiana had failed to copyright his design, thus he did not reap the benefits. He died at the age of 89.
The whole experience is not an end all biography of Van Gogh. Several panels provide short paragraphs similar to chapter titles, preceding examples of his works in the referenced time frame. There are lots of other sources of detailed information, including detailed descriptions/stories about specific paintings. It is a marvelous visual and auditory experience, and in our opinion a wonderful way to spend an afternoon at the museum.
Roadtirement 