Nine 2001

Robert Indiana made "Nine" with industrial materials in a playful exploration of form and symbolism. I like to imagine Indiana in his studio, carefully considering the juxtaposition of the numeral nine against glossy gold. The number itself sits upright, as if caught mid-spin. There is a tension created here, between stillness and movement. It feels monumental, not because of scale, but because of its presence. The gold catches the light, reflecting the room back at us. It’s got a distinct pop art vibe, reminding me of Jasper Johns’s numbers or the bold graphics of 1960s advertising. Indiana’s work really speaks to how artists are constantly riffing off each other, pulling ideas from the world around them and turning them into something new. It’s not just about the number nine, but about the endless possibilities of shape and form.