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The Contini Gallery of Art is pleased to present the exhibition “HOPE” honoring Robert
Indiana (b. 1928 in New Castle, Indiana), today one of America’s most well-known and
celebrated Contemporary artists.
The exhibition which will be held in the location of the Contini Gallery in Venice situated
in Calle Larga XXII Marzo, is an exceptionally rare event in Italy, paying tribute to this
master of Pop Art with the presentation of an extensive series of “HOPE” sculptures and
silkscreens.
Following the fortunate “LOVE” series - masterpieces of international fame - “HOPE”
soon became one of the most famous icons of the 21st Century after its unveiling at the
entrance of the Democratic National Convention Center in Denver in 2008. It was used by Barack Obama as a symbol during his presidential campaign to inspire future
generations.
Throughout his career, the artist has untiringly been committed to social and political
issues; he fights for many causes in America such as civil rights, education, health reform
and is in favor of supporting the arts.
With his Pop art spirit, Robert Indiana opposes the idea that art worth consideration
should be difficult to comprehend, and instead opts for a simple and coherent expression
to all people, to the mass society, as an interpreter of a culture of kindness and universal
symbol of the hippie generation. His art is linked to the everyday world, a refusal of closemindedness
and intends to give a sense of artistic dignity to that which is considered
ordinary quotidian.
“HOPE” has been the subject of exhibitions in four continents and his large capital letters
release that communicative force typical of Pop Art. The graphic and literal significance of
the numbers and the alphabetical form inspired by commercial billboards is one of the
most explored themes of Indiana and from this an expression is born that the artist uses
to transmit thoughts and information. His famous inscriptions tell us of cities, travels, an
event or simply suggest daily actions like Love, Eat and Hope.
Robert Indiana, who has been mentioned in the most important volumes of 20th century
Art History released an interview with the New York Times declaring,
“There are more signs than trees in America. There are more signs than leaves. This is
why I think of myself as a painter of American landscape”.
The Galleria Contini will present sculptures from the HOPE series in various sizes,
realized in stainless steel, painted aluminum and a selection of silkscreens on paper,
aluminum and canvas.
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