The Essential Robert Indiana

Decoding Robert Indianas work for a new generation this revelatory book explores previously unknown autobiographical elements in the work of the Pop artist and printmaker. Famously proclaiming himself to be "an American painter of signs " Robert Indiana has created an enormous body of work much of it boldly colored abstractions. In this incisive new examination of the artist based on ongoing conversations with Indiana art historian Martin Krause sifts through autobiographical clues within the artists work and finds a wealth of affecting and affectionate references to Indianas childhood literary heroes and the cultural icons of his generation. In addition a penetrating essay by Pop art scholar John Wilmerding deconstructs Indianas use of geometric shapes making unexpected connections that enhance Krauses thesis. Accompanied by reproductions of more than 50 prints from the period 1960-2010--and focusing specifically on series such as Decade: Autoportraits Vinalhaven Suite and The Hartley Elegies as well as the "Love" and "Hope" images and studies of Marilyn Monroe Picasso and the Brooklyn Bridge--Krauses decryption of Indianas visual language provides telling insight into the work of this quintessentially American artist.