The Brooklyn Bridge 1971

Robert Indiana’s print of The Brooklyn Bridge uses screen printing to flatten the iconic architectural structure into a series of graphic patterns. The limited palette of cool grays and blues creates an atmospheric, almost melancholic mood. Indiana seems to be playing with industrial design principles here, reducing the bridge to essential forms and repeated motifs. Look at how the arches are simplified into symmetrical shapes, each surrounded by concentric circles of text. The artist’s hand is intentionally obscured, making the image feel machine-made. Yet, the slight imperfections in the printing process—the subtle variations in color and texture—reveal the human element behind the work. The words circling each bridge motif creates an almost meditative rhythm, inviting you to contemplate the bridge's enduring presence. Think about how Andy Warhol also used screen printing to explore themes of mass production and cultural icons. Both artists transform familiar images into something new, prompting us to reconsider the world around us. This piece challenges us to find beauty in the mundane and to recognize the power of art to transform our perception.