The artwork, entitled “French Atomic Bomb,” is a sculpture created by Robert Indiana in 1960. This piece is associated with the Neo-Dada art movement and exemplifies the genre of sculpture through its use of unconventional materials and evocative imagery.
The artwork features a tall, rectangular structure standing sturdily on a wooden floor. It exudes a raw, industrial aesthetic, highlighted by its roughly hewn surface and the assemblage of disparate elements. Prominently, a large, dark circular object is affixed near the top, resembling an abstract representation of a bomb or explosive device. A bold red stripe cuts horizontally across the upper section, offering a stark contrast to the otherwise muted and earthy tones of the sculpture. Below, the surface appears weathered and textured, lending an aura of age and wear, with a smaller, white rectangular shape punctuating the lower part of the sculpture. The overall form and composition of “French Atomic Bomb” reflect a potent juxtaposition of elements that evoke themes of conflict and contemplation, characteristic of the Neo-Dada movement.