LOVE
by Robert Indiana, 1970
Details
- Year
- 1970
- Medium
- Cor-Ten steel
- Size
- 366 cm (12 ft) tall
Robert Indiana designed LOVE in 1964 as a card for the Museum of Modern Art's Christmas collection. The image stacked the letters L and O over V and E, with the O tilted to create visual tension. The design became so popular that Indiana created the first sculptural version in 1970, a 12-foot Cor-Ten steel piece now in Indianapolis.
The sculpture's bold simplicity made it instantly iconic. The tilted O prevents the design from looking static, while the stacked arrangement fits the word into a square format. Indiana chose Cor-Ten steel for its weathering properties, developing a rust patina that protects the metal beneath. The red, blue, and green painted versions became even more famous.
Authorized sculptures stand in cities worldwide, including Philadelphia, New York, Tokyo, Singapore, and Taipei. The image has been reproduced countless times, often without authorization, making it one of the most recognized artworks of the 20th century. Indiana received minimal royalties from unauthorized copies, a situation that frustrated him until his death in 2018.
About LOVE
Authorized versions stand in many cities including Philadelphia (JFK Plaza, nicknamed "Love Park"), New York (55th Street and 6th Avenue), Indianapolis (Indianapolis Museum of Art), and locations in Tokyo, Singapore, and Taipei.
The original 1970 version stands 366 centimeters tall (12 feet). Indiana later created versions in various sizes, from small desk sculptures to larger public installations.
Indiana designed the LOVE image in 1964 as a Christmas card for the Museum of Modern Art. The first sculptural version was created in 1970. The design has been reproduced, often without authorization, ever since.
The tilted O creates visual tension and prevents the design from appearing too static. Indiana also said the tilt suggested the instability and vulnerability of love itself.
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