Quantcast

No LOVE Between Indiana And Former Business Partner

prempic0410.jpg
Robert Indiana poses with "prem"
Pop artist Robert Indiana—best know for his LOVE statue, which was created in 1964 for a Christmas card for the Museum of Modern Art—is deep in a not-so-lovely court battle. According to the NY Post, his former business partner John Gilbert claims the artist signed an agreement three years ago which allowed him to license sculptures and other pieces bearing the word "prem" (Sanskrit for "love") in his iconic style.

Allegedly after getting paid around $55K, Indiana reneged on the deal, denying the pieces created weren't authentic. This led to the cancellation of auctions at both Sotheby's and Christie's, and according to Gilbert's breach of contract suit, kept him from "meeting [his] obligations under current contracts and jeopardized prospective contractual agreements with numerous third parties."

Indiana, now 81 years old, has filed a counter-suit for alleged violations of trademark law, stating that never signed an agreement. He also wants these photos of him and Gilbert hanging with the "prem" pieces to vanish from the internet.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

Comments [rss]

  • sarahmikal

    I think robert indiana should show some love... and allow artists to create.

    artists the world over have already made their own creations based on the iconic love without any problem.

    I have definitely lost respect for RI. Since when have true artists engaged in copyright law suites?!. its sad.

    http://www.johngilbertart.com/icon.html

  • NannyState

    Has nyone cleared his plans with the makers of SPAM knock-off PREM?

    http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/2407908596_45ef6c7072_o_d.jpg

  • Brainwash

    Gilbert really looks like a douchebag. Is it just the sunglasses?

    pic

  • TheKlaus

    PRO

    RFO

    EAD

  • Clarice City

    HA

    TE

blog comments powered by Disqus

send a tip

tips@gothamist.com