You may recognize some of these colorful images, or at least find yourself warming quickly to their style and energy – they harken back to the Pop era but, did you know that they tell a story that is specific to Los Angeles? They were created by a nun who became a printmaker while working as head of the art department at Immaculate Heart College here in Los Angeles. Sister Corita Kent was deeply influenced by popular culture and improbably became famous as a member of the Pop art movement; her colorful ad industry inspired messages were used in anti-war protests in the 1960s and she influenced generations of printmakers because of her commitment to spirituality and social justice. Sister Corita Kent’s story is worth knowing, especially if you love LA history.
Just this month, Sister Corita Kent’s art studio at Immaculate Heart College was declared a historic-cultural monument by the City of LA, and Caroline Miranda’s excellent article in the LA Times tells us why this is such an important moment – for women, for the arts, and for our city. Here is the article.
The women’s clothing brand Chloé did a collaboration with her estate this spring, a bit of evidence that her story and legacy are ongoing. Get to know her work by clicking here for the Corita Art Center and listen to this excellent NPR story about how she was inspired by Andy Warhol. Learn more about her work and legacy on the Hammer Museum‘s site (where she left many of her works). And here’s an in-depth look at this preservation project on Artnet and an Instagram Live interview (archived) with the Corita Art Center’s director, on the Great Women Artist’s podcast.
And here is our story from her show at Pasadena Museum of California Art – the museum is now closed.
Here are worksheets for coloring downloads from the Corita Art Center.
VISIT:
The Corita Art Center currently has a small collection of Corita’s works on display and welcomes walk-in visitors Thursday and Friday 10am to 4pm. If you would like to schedule a visit with four or more guests, please contact Project Manager, Andrew Greene at andrew@corita.org.
The Corita Art Center is located on the campus of Immaculate Heart High School, on the Northwest corner of Franklin and Western Avenues in Hollywood. Entrance is on Western Ave at the American Film Institute gate.
Corita Art Center
5515 Franklin Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90028
