Sister Mary Corita Kent, once the nation's best known nun, won fame as a serigraph artist. Her bright, colorful silkscreen prints were the rage of the 1960s. She designed the first "Love" U.S. postage stamp.
Mary Corita Kent was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa in 1918, then moved with her family to Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1920. Two years later they moved to Los Angeles, where she grew up. Kent joined the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary there in 1938. She received her bachelor's degree from Immaculate Heart College in 1941, followed by a master's in art history 10 years later from the University of Southern California.
Popularly known as "Sister Mary Corita," the artist turned to the silkscreen process in 1950. Her large compositions combine quotations, often from the Bible or modern poetry, with religious or secular images. She achieved fame in the early 1960s with her brightly colored silkscreen posters. Some of her work includes excerpts from the writings of Carl Jung, e.e. cummings and Rainer Maria Rilke. She began adding words to her designs because, she said, "I have been nuts about words and their shape since I was very young."
Perhaps becoming a celebrity came too soon for the nun. It was something she never asked to be, but she carried the burdens of stardom with grace, kindness, and loving warmth. She never was arrogant, and accepted the status because she believed it would help the College of the Immaculate Heart — where she was teaching — and she thought it would be good for her community of Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Sister Corita became a symbol of the modern nun and was often the target of conservative Catholics, particularly when she turned to regular street dress in 1967.
After more than 30 years as a nun, Kent returned to private life in December 1968, moving to Boston to devote herself to her art, and opening a gallery. For the next 18 years, Kent created over 50 commissions, in addition to over 400 new editions of serigraphs. Special projects included the landmark 150-foot rainbow painting on the Boston Gas Company's natural gas tank, numerous murals, billboards, book covers and book illustrations, logos, greeting cards and more. She also created complete editions of serigraphs for fundraising use by numerous organizations dedicated to peace and social justice. She won dozens of art prizes and saw her work hung in many of the world's major art museums. Critics praised her prints as joyful, exuberant, bold and radiant.
Around 1977, the artist developed cancer, and although her doctor gave her only six months to live, she knew that she had major art pieces to accomplish before she died — nine years later. Kent passed away in 1986, bequeathing her remaining prints, as well as the copyrights to all her works, to support the good work of the Immaculate Heart Community.
Find original Corita Kent art on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by Helicline Fine Art)
Sister Mary Corita Kent Signed Limited Edition Large Abstract Serigraph Print
By Corita Kent
Located in Studio City, CA
Known as God's own Pop artist, Sister Mary Corita Kent went straight from high school into Catholic convent life in 1936. While serving her order and teaching art at Immaculate Heart...
Paper
Sister Mary Corita Kent Screenprint 26.25" x 26.25" circa 1970s
By Corita Kent
Located in Atlanta, GA
"The Ground Doesn't Show Till One Day" color screen print by Corita Kent, also known as Sister Mary Corita Kent (American, 1918-1986). Circa 1970s. Signed ...
Metal, Aluminum
$316Sale Price|20% Off
H 24 in W 19 in D 0.07 in
1970s Original Charles Camoin Seascape Art Exhibiton Poster
By Charles Camoin
Located in Miami, FL
Original vintage poster from an exhibit of French painter, Charles Camoin, vivid orange color with beige highlights. Charles Camoin (French: 23 September 1879-20 May 1965) was a French Expressionist landscape painter associated with the Fauves. He painted a portrait of Matisse, which is in the permanent collection of the Pompidou Museum in Paris. Born in Marseille, France, Camoin met Henri...
Paper
$568 / item
H 18.9 in W 15.36 in D 0.04 in
DESENHO – Silkscreen Print, Limited Edition by Álvaro Siza Vieira
By Alvaro Siza
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Desenho (Man Painting) - The painting shows someone who begins a drawing, looking on the paper with a pen in the hand. Álvaro Siza describes the very special moment of taking the decision to make a painting, facing the white paper. A reproduction of his situation, doing this series of paintings: not knowing what to do until the decision to draw was being made. Then the idea of mythology came to his mind. “It is, in some way, an expression of my personal moment making drawings. But it is not a self-portrait, I am quite different than this man. It is not a specific person on purpose, because everyone makes drawings. Maybe not everyone does it, but everyone could do it.” Álvaro Siza started drawing at the age of six. With a great variety of drawings on his portfolio, many of them are inspired by mythology and historic scenes. “The drawings are what came to my mind in this very moment. I like mythology and expressing the stories in images. I have made a lot of mythological drawing...
Paper
1970s "Fanfare" Screenprint by Frank Rowland
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A striking limited edition op art serigraph by American artist Frank Rowland (1927-2012) in the hard edge style. An abstract geometric composition in red, orange, and yellow against ...
Paper
A Vintage Alexander Girard Sun Screenprint On Canvas ca' 1970's
By Alexander Girard
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic and happy, Alexander Girard sceenprint on canvas panel ca' 1970's. Measures approx. 24"x24", mounted on stretcher.
Canvas
$325
H 17.75 in W 15 in D 0.02 in
Sister Mary Corita Exhibition Poster/Announcement, Morris Gallery 1966
By Sister Corita
Located in New York, NY
Exhibition poster and announcement for a show of Sister Mary Corita Kent's new serigraphs held at New York City's Morris Gallery from December 7-31, 1966, ...
Paper
Frances Goodman Bite Your Tongue Limited Edition Print
By Phaidon
Located in New York, NY
Print Archival pigment print on Moab Entrada Measures: 20.00 x 20.00 in 50.8 x 50.8 cm Edition of 50 This work comes with a signed Certificate of Authenticity. Frances Goodman...
Paper
1950 Duilio Barnabè Dubè Screenprint
By Duilio Barnabe
Located in Brescia, IT
Duilio Barnabè Italy, 1950 Screenprint on paper 60/100 Signed "Barnabè" with pencil Original blue wood frame with glass Super rare screenprint Duilio Barnabè (October 7, 1914 – Oc...
Paper, Wood
Luke Butler The End Limited Edition Print
By Phaidon
Located in New York, NY
Photograph Color photograph made with archival pigments on fine art rag paper with matte finish Size varies based on edition This work comes with a "Certificate of Authenticity". Luke Butler...
Paper
David Byrne Bulwark of Logic Limited Edition Print
By Phaidon
Located in New York, NY
Print Archival pigment print Measures: 20.00 x 16.00 in 50.8 x 40.6 cm Edition of 100 This work is signed on a label on the verso. David Byrne, legendary frontman of American band The Talking Heads and author of How Music Works, was born in Dumbarton, Scotland in 1952. Byrne is a multi-intrumentalist most known for his high-energy performances and distinctive, wide-ranging voice. He formed The Talking Heads with fellow RISD student, Chris Frantz, and Frantz's girlfriend, Tina Weymouth, in 1975 while living in New York City. In 1990 he founded the world music record label Luaka Bop, which released music from artists including Os Mutantes, Tom Ze, and Zap Mama. Byrne's solo career has been broad and multi-disciplinary. Since the 1990s, Byrne has exhibited his visual artwork at numerous galleries including Pace/MacGill Gallery in New York City. In 2006 he released Arboretum, a collection of his philosophical drawings, published by McSweeney's. Byrne's drawings are what he calls "mental maps of imaginary territory." Says Byrne, "if you can draw a relationship, it can exist... the world keeps opening up, unfolding, and just when we expect it to be closed—to be a sealed sensible box—it shows us something completely surprising." In 2010, Byrne exhibited his piece "Guitar Pedals...
Paper
$1,450
H 35 in W 46 in D 0.04 in
Allan D'Arcangelo '1930-1998' 1979 Signed and Numbered Serigraph Print
By Allan D'Arcangelo 1
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Rare signed and numbered serigraph print by American artist Allan D'Arcangelo (1930-1998) Artist: Allan D'Arcangelo, American (1930-1998) Title: Untitled - Under Overpass Year:...
Paper
Swoon: Daniella Limited Edition Print
By Phaidon
Located in New York, NY
Print Digital archival print on Moab Entrada 335 gsm Measures: 16.00 x 13.00 in 40.6 x 33.0 cm Edition of 50 This work comes with a signed Certificate of Authenticity. In partnership with Maison de...
Paper
$3,250
H 17.63 in W 37.75 in D 1 in
"Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas" Signed by Norman Rockwell, circa 1970s
By Norman Rockwell
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a charming, signed print of "Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas," by Norman Rockwell. The Christmastime panorama depicts the busy snow-covered town center at dusk with...
Paper
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H 23 in W 35 in D 0.125 in
Corita Kent (Sister Mary Corita) 1918–1986 "with love to the everyday miracle"
By Sister Corita, Corita Kent
Located in Atlanta, GA
Corita Kent "Sister Mary Corita" (American - 1918–1986) Title: with love to the everyday miracle Medium: Screenprint Size: 35" x 23" Signed: To lower right "Corita" An arresting ...
Paper
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H 20 in W 25 in D 1 in
Sister Mary Corita Kent & Magdalen Mary Rare Serigraph Loves Makes Gentle Woman
By Corita Kent
Located in Studio City, CA
A gorgeous, extremely rare Pop Art original serigraph print by Sister Mary Corita Kent in collaboration with Sister Magdalen Mary (known as "...
Paper
Sister Corita Kent Original Serigraph, 1970, “To Believe in God”
By Corita Kent
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Original serigraph by sister Mary Corita Kent (1918-1986). Titled “To Believe in God” or “Rules are Fair.” Created 1970. Measures 23 x 22 ½. Frame 29 1/4 x 29 1/4 Poem quoted: “Rules are Fair” by Ugo Betti (1892-1953) Italian judge, author, poet and playwright. Ed: 200. Signed Lower Right. Numbered and titled lower left. Kent was a nun and art teacher at Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles. Her departure from the school (and the order) in 1968, was partially related to tension between the order and the church over the progressive reforms of the Vatican II movement, but it was also timed with her own artistic commitments and rising renown. Throughout the 1960s, she made radio and TV appearances and lectured around the country. Before Warhol made the medium famous, she was working in serigraphy (screen-printing) because it could be cheaply mass-produced and widely disseminated. Her lively, colorful works speak through graphic simplicity as they combine Bible verses, brand logos, literary quotes, and even Beatles lyrics...
Paper
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H 29.25 in W 23.25 in D 1 in
Corita Kent Original Serigraph, "B is for B Ins" with Poem by W.H. Auden
By Corita Kent
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Original serigraph by sister mary Corita Kent (1918-1986) titled “B is for Be In.” This work is from her alphabet series - circa 1960's. Quote by W.H. Auden (1907 - 1973) British/American Poet - “Can Sixty Make Sense of Sixteen - Plus?” Pencil Signed lower right “Corita.” Nicely framed and in excellent condition. Measures: Image size: 10" H x 16 1/2" W. Frame size: 29 1/4" H x 23 1/4" W. Kent was a nun and art teacher at Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles. Her departure from the school (and the order) in 1968, was partially related to tension between the order and the church over the progressive reforms of the Vatican II movement, but it was also timed with her own artistic commitments and rising renown. Throughout the 1960s, she made radio and TV appearances and lectured around the country. Before Warhol made the medium famous, she was working in serigraphy (screen-printing) because it could be cheaply mass-produced and widely disseminated. Her lively, colorful works speak through graphic simplicity as they combine Bible verses, brand logos, literary quotes, and even Beatles lyrics...
Paper
Sister Corita Kent If a Man Quote Signed Serigraph
By Corita Kent
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a groovy, retro style serigraph titled Inspirational Quote and hand signed in pencil in the bottom right by beloved artist Sister Corita Kent...
Paper
Sister Corita Kent Understanding Signed Serigraph
By Corita Kent
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a groovy, retro, pop art style serigraph titled Understanding and hand signed in pencil in the bottom right by beloved artist Sister Corita Kent...
Paper
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H 28.75 in W 28.75 in D 1 in
Sister Mary Corita Kent Limited Edition Signed Large Abstract Serigraph Print
By Corita Kent
Located in Studio City, CA
Known as God's own Pop artist, Sister Mary Corita Kent went straight from high school into convent life in 1936. While serving her order and teaching art at Immaculate Heart College ...
Paper
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H 4.25 in W 4.25 in D 1.25 in
Sister Mary Corita Kent, Abstract Watercolor Painting, Signed, Acrylic Frame
By Corita Kent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Here we have a small watercolor by the well known Sister Mary Corita. She is very well known for a massive production of serigraphs, as she like to make ar...
Paper
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H 29 in W 23 in D 0.75 in
Silkscreen Contemporary Abstract Wall Art by Sister Mary Corita Kent, 1980
By Sister Corita, Corita Kent
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Silkscreen "Be Of Love" stretched canvas contemporary abstract wall art by Mary Corita Kent. Also known as Sister Mary Corita Kent, was an American Ro...
Canvas, Wood
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H 20 in W 20 in D 1.5 in
Sister Mary Corita Kent Limited Edition Signed Rare Silkscreen Flower Print
By Corita Kent
Located in Studio City, CA
Known as God's own pop artist, Sister Mary Corita Kent went straight from high school into the convent life in 1936. While serving her order and teaching art at Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles in the 1960s, she became a pop artist and gained some national notoriety with her striking and colorful works that often conveyed messages of hope and protest. This print displays flowers in lavender, green, orange, yellow and black and features a quote by Bhagavad Gita...
Paper
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H 23.25 in W 23.25 in D 1 in
Corita Kent Original Serigraph Signed in Pencil with Quote by Albert Schweitzer
By Corita Kent
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Original Serigraph by Sister Mary Corita Kent (1918-1986) Quote by Albert Schweitzer "This I Know..." Pencil Signed lower center “Corita” Edition ...
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H 20.88 in W 28.88 in D 1.63 in
Sister Mary Corita Serigraph Power Up Signed Pink Pop Art, USA, 1960s
By Corita Kent
Located in New York, NY
Sister Mary Corita serigraph Power Up signed Pink Pop Art, USA, 1960s. Image size: 9.63 inches x 18.13 inches. Strong pop art colors: vibrant pink and ora...