Though aesthetically simple and seemingly straightforward, theLOVEseries actually boasts unexpected undertonesand a surprisingly heart-wrenching history.
What isLOVE?
The bold red letters stand out against a backdrop that alternates between bright blue and green.
“Love” sculpture in New York City (Stock Photosfrom f11photo/Shutterstock)
Given its Christmas card origins, however, its relationship with Christianity is not entirely surprising.
This Christian denomination was founded by Mary Baker Eddy, a self-described spiritual pioneer, in 1879.
This resulted in the closure of many of its churches across the country.
Postage stamp ca. 1973 (Stock Photosfrom Sergey Kohl/Shutterstock)
However, that was not the case.
It was a marvelous idea, but it was also a terrible mistake, he told NPR in 2014.
It became too popular; it became too popular.
“LOVE” sculpture in Tokyo (Stock Photosfrom MAHATHIR MOHD YASIN/Shutterstock)
And there are people who don’t like popularity.
It’s much better to be exclusive and remote.
That’s why I’m on an island off the coast of Maine, you see.
“Love” sculpture in New York City (Stock Photosfrom Christian Mueller/Shutterstock)
On top of overwhelming the reclusive artist, this popularity also proved to be detrimental to his career.
For better or for worse, it overshadowed some of his other contributions.
In 2018, Robert Indiana died at the age of 89.
Photos (left to right): Radavis147 viaWiki ArtPublic Domain;Stock Photosfrom meunierd/Shutterstock;Stock Photosfrom Saddek Hamlaoui/Shutterstock
Frequently Asked Questions
How manyLOVEstatues did Robert Indiana make?
There are 50 LOVE sculptures installed around the world.
Why did Robert Indiana create the LOVE sculpture?
“Robert Indiana Resting in Maine” (Photo:Charles RotmilviaWiki ArtPublic Domain)
While many people assume thatLOVEwas inspired by romance, it was actually shaped by Indiana’s religious upbringing.
“Love” sculpture in Martigny, Switzerland (Stock Photosfrom irisphoto1/Shutterstock)
