Skip to main content

Number 3, from “Numbers”

Robert Indiana

Artwork Details

Number 3, from “Numbers”
1968
Robert Indiana
silkscreen on paper
25 3/8 x 19 5/8 in. (64.45 x 49.85 cm); ; ; ; ;32 in x 26 in (81.28 cm x 66.04 cm)
Gift of Mr. Nick S. Nicolas.
1976/2.144

Description

Subject Matter:

“Number 3” is part of a series of works based on numbers and reflects Indiana’s interest in the existential aspects of numbers, which he regarded as the basic elements structuring our daily lives, with 1 to 9 representing the spectrum of existence and 0 standing between life and death.
By using a subject matter that can be instantly recognized and accepted, it permitted Indian to concentrate on form and color. He uses an intentional ambiguity based on the principle of redundancy by identifying the number “3” with its letter equivalent, expressing the same abstract concept graphically as both symbol and word.

Physical Description:

The number "3" in orange in a blue circle with a green background; the word "THREE" written bottom center.

Usage Rights:

If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.