Robert Indiana in Rockport Maine
Posted on June 22nd, 2009 by Becky // 4 Comments »
One really cool thing that happened in Maine last week was the lighting of Robert Indiana’s EAT sign atop the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland Maine. Best known for its incredible Wyeth exhibits, the Farnsworth does a great job of keeping up with the art world, and is finally honoring one of the area’s adopted sons. Indiana has been living on Vinalhaven Island for decades, just a quick ferry ride from Rockland Harbor.
The most extraordinary thing about this event was that it was the first time Indiana had ever seen his EAT sign lit. The sign was commissioned for the 1964 New York World’s Fair, and was taken down after a day because hungry and confused people kept looking for a restaurant nearby. Apparently, the sign has been stored in a former 8-seat outhouse behind Indiana’s home on Vinalhaven for decades. The EAT sign is not the only exclusive the Farnsworth has snagged; this exhibit is full of never before seen work. The Robert Indiana and the Star of Hope exhibit, where he has replaced his iconic “LOVE” with “HOPE” as part of the Obama campaign is full of unseen work. I highly recommend a stop in Rockland for anyone in the area. The exhibit is running now through October 25th.
Filed in Art and Artists, Events & Exhibitions, General | 4 Comments
June 22nd, 2009 at 10:00 am (#)
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June 23rd, 2009 at 6:24 am (#)
It’s a really cool sign!
July 22nd, 2009 at 10:39 am (#)
Apparently, HOPE is the new LOVE.
Whew, HOPE requires sooo much less commitment. (Or, as apparent from the 1969 LOVE piece, only two more letters.)
Next “adopted son”, PLEASE!
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:32 pm (#)
Hey Mushi, funny you should comment today, I just went to the exhibit this afternoon. I enjoyed it, especially since he included work all the way back to when he was six years old. Personally, one of my favorite local adopted sons is Alex Katz. The Farnsworth never fails to impress me though, it’s such a great museum, from the structures themselves to the collection, though I could do without the grumpy lady who sells the admissions tickets – unhelpful much?