Robert Indiana. The Sweet Mystery, 1960-62. Oil on canvas. 72 x 60 inches (182.9 x 152.4 cm). Photo: Courtesy of Tom Powel Imaging, New York; Artwork: © Morgan Art Foundation Ltd./Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY
Have you ever had the chance to see up close the works of Robert Indiana, the artist who redefined the boundaries of contemporary art?
From April 17 to November 24, 2024, Venice becomes the stage on which the life and work of Robert Indiana, one of the giants of contemporary art, are explored in a must-see exhibition. “Robert Indiana. The Sweet Mystery” takes place at the Procuratie Vecchie in St. Mark’s Square, Venice, and one of the collateral events of the 60th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale 2024.
Curated by Matthew Lyons and presented by the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, this exhibition is a journey through the art of Robert Indiana, from his youth to the present day, through themes such as spirituality, identity, and the human condition.
In this post I tell you about the event and why Robert Indiana is a central figure in the contemporary art scene.
Robert Indiana at the Venice Biennale 2024
Robert Indiana, LOVE
Robert Indiana (1928-2018) is a very important figure in the world art scene, most famous for his “LOVE” series. His art, which is distinguished by the incisiveness with which he addresses social, political and personal issues, goes far beyond the pop aesthetic, incorporating historical, literary and biographical references that enrich each work.
“The Sweet Mystery,” the title of the exhibition and of one of his earliest works that uses words as a central element, symbolizes Indiana’s constant search into the dynamics of human existence.
THE EXHIBITION AT THE ART BIENNALE 2024: A BRIDGE BETWEEN PAST AND PRESENT
Organized with the support of The Robert Indiana Legacy Initiative, the exhibition “Robert Indiana. The Sweet Mystery” offers an immersion into the highlights of Indiana’s career, presenting more than 40 works including paintings and sculptures.
Works such as “The Sweet Mystery,” “EAT/DIE,” “Love is God” and “The Melville Triptych” provide direct evidence of the artist’s commitment to such fundamental themes as faith, love and the human condition, interpreted through the lens of contemporary turmoil.
This exhibition, a collateral event of the Biennale Arte 2024, is an important recognition, tribute and critical reconsideration of Robert Indiana’s work, which continues to make us think about current issues.
Robert Indiana. Love Is God. 1964. Oil on canvas. 68 × 68 in. (172.7 × 172.7 cm), diamond. Artwork: © Morgan Art Foundation Ltd./Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY
Robert Indiana’s exhibition at the Venice Biennale 2024 is not only a unique and unrepeatable event, it is an invitation to reflect on art’s ability to question, unite and inspire. It is an unmissable experience for anyone who wants to understand the currents that have shaped contemporary art and what the future holds.
For all the information about the Venice Biennale, how to book tickets, National Pavilions and side events to see, I recommend you read the special post dedicated to the Biennale Arte 2024, Tickets and Pavilions.