In the Beginning was the Word: Works by Corita Kent

An anti-Vietnam War activist and an ardent fighter for civil rights, as well as a true believer in the power of love to change global hostilities, Corita Kent created a language that infused the language of populism with spiritual consciousness. 

Kent grew up in a religious family in Los Angeles which prompted her, at 18 years old, to join the Order of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. While a student there she was introduced to the process of printmaking, the medium through which she would express her political and social activism.

In 1964, Kent discovered Pop Art. Los Angeles was fertile ground for pop artists such as Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Robert Indiana, Claes Oldenburg and Ed Ruscha.  Kent drew inspiration from the language of Pop and began incorporating designs from print ads, street signs, billboards and product packaging into her art. She adapted mainstream advertisements and transformed them into positive messages of love and social righteousness.

Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum

May 14 - September 18, 2016

MUSEUM HOURS

Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: Noon – 5pm
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