4. Robert Indiana at the MoMA and the Whitney
Robert Indiana, The Electric EAT, 1964/2007, as installed in Untitled at the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York. Photograph by Ron Amstutz
The Whitney Museum of Art in the Meatpacking District has a collection of nine of Robert Indiana works. The pieces in their collection include a model of his beloved LOVE statues, sculpture and drawings. Although their are nine pieces in the Whitney’s collection, only one of them is currently being displayed: The Electric EAT is a sculpture made of polychrome aluminum, stainless steel, and light bulbs. The piece was created in 1964 by Indiana and displays the word “eat” in lightbulbs. It is available for viewing on the museum’s first floor cafe.
In addition, Robert Indiana’s works—both sculptures and paintings—have been featured in over 35 Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) collections since his first debut in 1961. In fact, Indiana’s first big break came when the MoMA featured his art in a 1961 exhibit “Art of Assemblage.” Often these collections relate to contemporary art its effects on society.
Indiana’s works are not currently on display at the MoMA, but his works have reappeared frequently in the almost 60 years since his debut. The most recent feature he received was in 2015 with the “Take an Object” collection, which featured works of art that depict normal, everyday objects in a manner of fine art.
For more information about Indiana’s works, check out his website. Additionally, browse the MoMA and Whitney’s collections of the artist’s work.
Next check out 9 New Outdoor Art Installations Not to Miss in NYC July 2019