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Corita Kent — rules are fair
Corita Kent

rules are fair

1970

Corita Kent's "rules are fair" from 1970 presents a compelling interplay of vibrant color and profound text, rendered with characteristic dynamism. This screenprint immediately captures attention with its bold, almost gestural application of color: a rich mustard yellow, a deep purple, and a striking vertical stripe of bright orange. These expansive swaths of color, defined by their slightly irregular, almost distressed edges, create a powerful abstract composition against the creamy beige background. The central orange form, with its energetic splatters and textured appearance, bisects the canvas, creating a subtle cross-like structure that hints at Kent’s spiritual background without being overtly didactic. This raw, painterly quality, achieved through the screenprinting process, not only showcases the medium’s expressive potential but also imbues the work with a sense of immediacy and tactile presence. Superimposed upon this abstract field, specifically in the upper right quadrant, is a handwritten inscription in vivid red. The text reads, "to believe in god is to know that all the rules are fair and that there will be wonderful surprises, ugo betti." This poignant quote, attributed to the Italian playwright Ugo Betti, serves as the spiritual and intellectual anchor of the piece. Kent, renowned for her ability to fuse Pop Art aesthetics with deeply humanistic and spiritual messages, masterfully juxtaposes the abstract visual language with concrete philosophical inquiry. "rules are fair" exemplifies her unique approach, inviting contemplation on faith, justice, and the unexpected joys of life, all while engaging the viewer with a visually arresting composition. It stands as a powerful testament to Kent's enduring relevance, offering a meditation on universal themes through its compelling fusion of image and word, making it a significant and highly collectible example from her celebrated body of work.

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 354

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About this work

Corita Kent, rules are fair, 1970

Corita Kent's "rules are fair" from 1970 presents a compelling interplay of vibrant color and profound text, rendered with characteristic dynamism. This screenprint immediately captures attention with its bold, almost gestural application of color: a rich mustard yellow, a deep purple, and a striking vertical stripe of bright orange. These expansive swaths of color, defined by their slightly irregular, almost distressed edges, create a powerful abstract composition against the creamy beige background. The central orange form, with its energetic splatters and textured appearance, bisects the canvas, creating a subtle cross-like structure that hints at Kent’s spiritual background without being overtly didactic. This raw, painterly quality, achieved through the screenprinting process, not only showcases the medium’s expressive potential but also imbues the work with a sense of immediacy and tactile presence. Superimposed upon this abstract field, specifically in the upper right quadrant, is a handwritten inscription in vivid red. The text reads, "to believe in god is to know that all the rules are fair and that there will be wonderful surprises, ugo betti." This poignant quote, attributed to the Italian playwright Ugo Betti, serves as the spiritual and intellectual anchor of the piece. Kent, renowned for her ability to fuse Pop Art aesthetics with deeply humanistic and spiritual messages, masterfully juxtaposes the abstract visual language with concrete philosophical inquiry. "rules are fair" exemplifies her unique approach, inviting contemplation on faith, justice, and the unexpected joys of life, all while engaging the viewer with a visually arresting composition. It stands as a powerful testament to Kent's enduring relevance, offering a meditation on universal themes through its compelling fusion of image and word, making it a significant and highly collectible example from her celebrated body of work.

Medium
Screenprint in colors
Year
1970
Seen at
Wright, Chicago, United States

Related themes

Religious Art, Graphic Art, Bold Color, American, Modernist, Orange Accent, Screenprint, Social Commentary, Pop Art, Text Based Art, Political Art, Typographic Art, Works On Paper, Female Artist, Activist Art, Abstract, Spiritual Themes, Yellow And Purple, Gestural Abstract, Humanist

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