Design

Sign? Art? Both?

Indy’s city-wide art exhibit.

Published

17 years ago

September 27, 2007

MaryKate Moran Signs of the Times October 2007 Issue

Julian Opie’s art decorated downtown Indianapolis for an entire year, starting in September 2006. The art, which often features faceless figures in action, embodies the shapes and styles seen in signs and advertising (perhaps that’s why the city-wide exhibition was titled “Signs”).

Mike Knight, of the Art Council of Indianapolis, said people needed some time to become accustomed to the art, but he knew they would miss it as the exhibit ended in September.

The works “Bruce walking,” and “Suzanne walking,” which are LED panels over 6 ft. tall, might have been the most eye-catching. “People thought they were monumental, pedestrian-crossing signs,” Knight said.

The Des Moines Art Center (Des Moines, IA) will feature Opie and more than a dozen other artists during “Sign Language,” an exhibition inspired by urban signs that range from neon signs to graffiti.

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