
Corita Kent
Corita Kent: A Life of Art, Activism, and Inspiration
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Corita Kent was born Sister Mary Corita on March 14, 1918. She is commonly known as Corita Kent, a name she adopted in the 1960s.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: March 14, 1918
Died: September 18, 1986 (aged 68)
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession: Artist, Printmaker, Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary order, Social activist
Early Life and Background
Corita Kent was born in Iowa to a family of modest means. She was one of six children, and her parents encouraged her artistic pursuits from an early age. In 1936, she entered the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary congregation, where she would remain for over 40 years. This decision allowed her to pursue her art while serving as a nun.
Major Accomplishments
Kent's artwork spanned multiple mediums, including painting, printmaking, and photography. Her most notable contributions include:
Silkscreen printing: Kent popularized the use of silkscreen printing in the 1960s, creating vibrant and colorful posters that became iconic representations of the era.
Counterculture art: Kent's work was closely tied to the counterculture movement, reflecting her commitment to social justice and peace activism.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works by Corita Kent include:
"Love Is..." series: A collection of silkscreen prints featuring bold, red lettering and simple, white backgrounds.
Posters for the Poor People's Campaign: Kent created several posters in support of Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1968 campaign to address poverty and inequality.
Impact and Legacy
Corita Kent's art has had a lasting impact on the world. Her use of silkscreen printing as an artistic medium paved the way for future artists, while her commitment to social justice continues to inspire new generations.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Kent's quotes are widely quoted and remembered due to their simplicity, elegance, and poignancy. Some notable examples include:
"Love is a temporary madness."
"The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud."
These quotes reflect Kent's commitment to living life on her own terms and inspiring others to do the same. Her art continues to be celebrated as a testament to the power of creativity, activism, and personal growth.
Corita Kent's life was marked by a deep sense of purpose and conviction. She embodied the qualities that inspire us today: courage, compassion, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. As we reflect on her legacy, we are reminded of the enduring impact one person can have on the world.
Quotes by Corita Kent
Corita Kent's insights on:

If you work it will lead to something. It’s the people who do all of the work all the time who eventually catch on to things.

That’s why people listen to music or look at paintings. To get in touch with that wholeness.

Women’s liberation is the liberation of the feminine in the man and the masculine in the woman.

Not all of us are painters but we are all artists. Each time we fit things together we are creating – whether it is to make a loaf of bread, a child, a day.

Creativity belongs to the artist in each of us. To create means to relate. The root meaning of the word art is ‘to fit together’ and we all do this every day.

Take an exhibit, in the days when we saw the Pop art - Andy Warhol and all that - tomato soup cans, etc., and coming home, you saw everything like A. Warhol.

Celebration is a kind of food we all need in our lives, and each individual brings a special recipe or offering, so that together we will make a great feast. Celebration is a human need that we must not, and can not, deny. It is richer and fuller when many work and then celebrate together.

When you are not separate from the creative process, time ceases to exist. You might start to feel tired and suddenly realize that much time has passed. It isn't necessarily a happy time - and may be very difficult to start if it is a job or an obligation. But if' you start with all the concrete needs and proceed in a thorough way - the creative process will take over and you will forget whether it is work or play. Working in the here and now is one of the most uncontaminated ways to work.


