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Corita Kent — yes #3
Corita Kent

yes #3

1979

Corita Kent's "yes #3" immediately captivates with its striking simplicity and powerful message. A vibrant, hand-drawn red heart dominates the upper portion of the composition, a universal emblem of affection and compassion. Below this iconic symbol, the word "Love" is rendered in a confident, gestural black script, its organic lines conveying a sense of immediacy and human touch. The stark contrast between the bold red and black elements against the clean white background amplifies the visual impact, drawing the viewer's eye directly to the core sentiment. This screenprint, with its directness and graphic appeal, exemplifies Kent's masterful ability to distill profound emotions into accessible, memorable visual statements. The apparent spontaneity of the brushstrokes, both in the heart and the lettering, belies the thoughtful construction of a message designed to resonate broadly. Created in 1979, "yes #3" reflects Corita Kent's enduring commitment to themes of affirmation, hope, and human connection, central tenets of her prolific career. As an artist, educator, and former nun, Kent consistently used her art as a vehicle for positive social commentary and spiritual reflection, often blending elements of pop art with deeply personal conviction. This piece, with its unequivocal declaration of "Love," serves as a testament to her belief in the transformative power of simple, yet profound, truths. The title "yes #3" further reinforces this optimistic stance, suggesting a series of affirmative declarations that collectively champion a hopeful worldview. Her work transcends mere decoration, inviting contemplation on fundamental human values. The choice of screenprint as a medium was deliberate for Kent, allowing for the crisp, bold application of color and text that defined her distinctive graphic style. This technique also enabled her to produce editions, making her art more widely accessible, a democratic approach consistent with her ethos. "yes #3," an edition of 500, offers collectors an opportunity to acquire a significant example of Kent's late career output, embodying her signature visual vocabulary and optimistic spirit. The work remains highly relevant, its message of love a timeless beacon in contemporary discourse, making it a compelling addition to any collection appreciating art with both aesthetic power and meaningful depth.

Medium
Screenprint in colors
Location
Wright, Chicago, United States

🔨 Auction Lot

Wright: 20|21 Art: The Chicago Edition (July 2022)

July 14, 2022

Estimate: $500 to $700

Lot 359

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About this work

Corita Kent, yes #3, 1979

Corita Kent's "yes #3" immediately captivates with its striking simplicity and powerful message. A vibrant, hand-drawn red heart dominates the upper portion of the composition, a universal emblem of affection and compassion. Below this iconic symbol, the word "Love" is rendered in a confident, gestural black script, its organic lines conveying a sense of immediacy and human touch. The stark contrast between the bold red and black elements against the clean white background amplifies the visual impact, drawing the viewer's eye directly to the core sentiment. This screenprint, with its directness and graphic appeal, exemplifies Kent's masterful ability to distill profound emotions into accessible, memorable visual statements. The apparent spontaneity of the brushstrokes, both in the heart and the lettering, belies the thoughtful construction of a message designed to resonate broadly. Created in 1979, "yes #3" reflects Corita Kent's enduring commitment to themes of affirmation, hope, and human connection, central tenets of her prolific career. As an artist, educator, and former nun, Kent consistently used her art as a vehicle for positive social commentary and spiritual reflection, often blending elements of pop art with deeply personal conviction. This piece, with its unequivocal declaration of "Love," serves as a testament to her belief in the transformative power of simple, yet profound, truths. The title "yes #3" further reinforces this optimistic stance, suggesting a series of affirmative declarations that collectively champion a hopeful worldview. Her work transcends mere decoration, inviting contemplation on fundamental human values. The choice of screenprint as a medium was deliberate for Kent, allowing for the crisp, bold application of color and text that defined her distinctive graphic style. This technique also enabled her to produce editions, making her art more widely accessible, a democratic approach consistent with her ethos. "yes #3," an edition of 500, offers collectors an opportunity to acquire a significant example of Kent's late career output, embodying her signature visual vocabulary and optimistic spirit. The work remains highly relevant, its message of love a timeless beacon in contemporary discourse, making it a compelling addition to any collection appreciating art with both aesthetic power and meaningful depth.

Medium
Screenprint in colors
Year
1979
Seen at
Wright, Chicago, United States

Related themes

Graphic Art, Red and Black, Hope And Affirmation, Love And Affection, Print Edition, Bold Color, American, Modernist, Gestural Mark, Heart Motif, Screenprint, Social Commentary, Pop Art, Minimalist Composition, Works On Paper, Female Artist, Activist Art, Spiritual Themes, Text And Image, Figurative, Typography Art

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