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KvF XV (Hartley Elegy)

1989–94

Images

KvF XV, a black, red, white, gray, and blue circular painting with a 60 inch diameter consisting of numerous stylized elements. At the center are a black number two against a red rectangular ground and a black number four against a blue rectangular ground. Black and white wavy stripes are found to the left and right of the numbers, and above is a black iron cross in a light gray circle with a red outline within a dark blue triangle with a white outline. Other design elements include a blue and red diamond pattern and red wavy lines.

KvF XV (Hartley Elegy)

1989–94

Oil on canvas

Diameter: 60 in. (152.4 cm), tondo

 

Artwork: © Morgan Art Foundation Ltd./Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY

Installation view of Robert Indiana: A Sculpture Retrospective, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, June 16–September 23, 2018. Left to right, KvF X (Hartley Elegy) (1989–94), KvF (1991, cast 2015–18), and KvF XV (Hartley Elegy) (1989–94),  

Installation view of Robert Indiana: A Sculpture Retrospective, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, June 16–September 23, 2018. Left to right, KvF X (Hartley Elegy) (1989–94), KvF (1991, cast 2015–18), and KvF XV (Hartley Elegy) (1989–94)

 

Photo: Tom Powel Imaging

Description

This particular series [Hartley Elegies] from my standpoint, like many of my paintings, could just go on for a very long time. The possible variations are fascinating, and I love themes or variations. 

— Robert Indiana

 

Excerpt from Susan Elizabeth Ryan, interview with Robert Indiana, July 19, 1991, Robert Indiana: Figures of Speech Archive 1987–2005.