Corita Kent: Pop Art Nun and Social Justice Pioneer
Corita Kent, born in November 1918, was a prominent Roman Catholic nun and artist known for her impactful pop art posters tackling issues like poverty and racism. After joining the convent at 18, she led the art department in 1964. Her controversial 1964 Christmas card, which compared the Virgin Mary to a tomato, resulted in her leaving the convent at age 50. Kent continued to create art until her death in 1986 at 67. Renowned figures, including Alfred Hitchcock, attended her classes, and her legacy influences modern artists such as Shepard Fairey. Her work remains celebrated for its emotional resonance.
Key facts
- Corita Kent was born Frances Kent in November 1918 in Iowa.
- She was a Roman Catholic nun, artist, and educator.
- Her pop art posters confronted social injustice including poverty, racism, and war.
- Her 1964 Christmas card 'the juiciest tomato of all' was denounced as scandalous by church superiors.
- She left her religious order at age 50 due to ongoing rift with church.
- She died at age 67 in 1986.
- She left her copyrights and unsold works to the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary College Community.
- Her work influenced Shepard Fairey's 'We The People' posters.
Entities
Artists
- Corita Kent
- Frances Kent
- Alfred Hitchcock
- Charles Eames
- Ray Eames
- John Cage
- Andy Warhol
- Robert Rauschenberg
- Jasper Johns
- Shepard Fairey
- Dan Berrigan
- Dr. Ray Smith
Institutions
- Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
- The Corita Art Center
Locations
- Iowa
- Hollywood
- United States