Come Alive!: The Spirited Art of Sister Corita

by Julie Ault (Contributor), Corita Kent (Artist), Daniel Berrigan (Contributor)

The riotous and colorful artwork of famed catholic nun and educator Corita Kent At 18, Corita Kent (1918-86) entered the Roman Catholic order of Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Los Angeles, where she taught art and eventually ran the art department. After more than 30 years, at the end of the 1960s, she left the order to devote herself to making her own work. Over a 35-year career she made watercolors, posters, books and banners--and most of all, serigraphs--in an accessible and dynamic style that appropriated techniques from advertising, consumerism and graffiti. The earliest, which she began showing in 1951, borrowed phrases and depicted images from the Bible; by the 1960s, she was using song lyrics and publicity slogans as raw material. Eschewing convention, she produced cheap, readily available multiples, including a postage stamp. Her work was popular but largely neglected by the art establishment--though it was always embraced by such design luminaries as Charles and Ray Eames, Buckminster Fuller and Saul Bass. More recently, she has been increasingly recognized as one of the most innovative and unusual Pop artists of the 1960s, battling the political and religious establishments, revolutionizing graphic design and making some of the most striking--and joyful--American art of her era, all while living and practicing as a Catholic nun. This first study of her work, organized by Julie Ault on the 20th anniversary of Kent's death, with essays by Ault and Daniel Berrigan, is the first to examine this important American outsider artist's life and career, and contains more than 90 illustrations, many of which are reproduced for the first time, in vibrant, and occasionally Day-Glo, color.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Art Design, Spirituality, Activism

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[Leilani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered the art of Sister Corita when I was just searching around online for inspirational quotes. Being raised Catholic, I thought "A rebel nun? A whole school of rebel nuns? She was famous for POP ART?!" and in I delved. I am so happy this book exists. The art itself is playful but serious at the same time. Her philosophy to just create, and see art outside the confines of what is usually considered art, makes you feel that you too can create art. I hope more and more people discover her.

For the book itself, the history and biographical narrative are good. I do wish the Appendix showing text to her art were better organized, but that's a minor annoyance. If you are at all into pop art, Warhol-type art, or are a liberal Catholic (yes, we exist) then there is something great for you in this book.

[Thibaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corita Kent was not only a wonderful human being, she was also a magnificent teacher, this book really shows a great example of what a great teacher is, not only did she set an example in the art and graphic design world, she made a space where her students felt comfortable and confident. She really was ahead of her time and i hope more people read this book and take an example on all the wonderful messages that are in between these pages! (The artworks showcased throughout the book are visually stunning to look at)

[David Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An oversized book featuring Corita’s exceptional graphic work (screen prints).

[Joann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is so worth the buy. If you’re into art, design, typography and especially if God fills your soul.

[Melody Hession-Sigmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous prints of her work and great context!

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at a nun creating and teaching art in the 1950s and 1960s with a heavily text focused pop style.

[Andrea Cardinal · Rating 4 out of 5]

my heart, my grandma. my spirit, when I feel up to it.

She spoke and acted with conviction and verve, exuding good energy as she beckoned people to graciously sidestep oppressive cultural conventions in favor of a celebrational (perhaps subversive) interrogation of society through creativity and everyday actions.

James Baldwin/
"The war of an artist with his society is a lover's war. And he does at his best, what lovers do, which is to reveal the beloved to himself, and with that revelation, make freedom real."

"Contemporary manuals of contemplation"

RULE EIGHT: don't try to create and analyze at the same time. They're different processes. 

I think celebrations are always meant to instruct and inspire, to empower people to use their own creative skills through images and ritual to action


The best weapon was a late touch. The best revenge was an unswipable smile.

[Ellen-Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Sister Corita and always enjoy delving further into her work and life.