A steel version of artist Robert Indiana’s HOPE sculpture is displayed outside his home on the first annual “International HOPE Day,” Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014, on Vinalhaven Island, Maine. The 86-year-old artist failed to make a planned appearance to autograph commerative prints of the HOPE image that were sold outside his home. An assistant said the reclusive artist would sign the artwork in private at a later date.VINALHAVEN, Maine – Reclusive artist Robert Indiana was expected make an appearance outside his island residence on Saturday to take part in a celebration of his art around the world on his 86th birthday but he didn’t emerge from his home, disappointing dozens of fans.
The event was called International HOPE Day and took place in cities across the world. Indiana was expected to make a public appearance outside his home and studio on Vinalhaven Island, where dozens of fans had hoped to get his autograph on commemorative prints that they purchased from event organizers outside his home.
Kathleen Rogers, Indiana’s publicist, said he’s in very poor health and isn’t used to being around large groups of people.
“We’d envisioned much smaller event” when Indiana initially agreed to appear, she said. “I think he was just overwhelmed with all the people.”
The artist is best known for his “LOVE” image, in which the L and a leaning O sit atop the V and the E. His ‘HOPE’ image is similar in theme.