The Sacrifice

The Sacrifice

The work is a serigraph print oriented in the landscape view and is highly abstracted, the focal point being a man located in the center-left of the work. He faces the viewer and appears to have a beard and wears a garment of some sort. He is the largest figure in the composition and takes up most of the vertical space in the center-left. Furthermore, he spreads his arms out horizontally, taking up additional physical and psychological space within the composition. Surrounding him are many other figures and objects; in the lower left of the work, two small silhouetted figures, one on its knees, raise their arms up to the bearded figure. Nine more figures are arrayed over the right third of the composition doing similarly. Each one faces the focal figure at left, with arms raised up. Some are kneeling in a way that suggests prayer. To the right of the bearded figure and at center of the work is a white circle containing a black symbol, similar to that of the Chi-Rho, the first Christian cross. In terms of color, most of the form in the work are delineated by areas of black positive or negative space against the white of the paper. Splashes of green are also employed in the image at left, some at center and a majority of the right side of the composition. There are also splashes of orange and pink overlays printed within the composition.

Corita Kent was born Frances Kent in 1918 in Fort Dodge, Iowa and grew up in Los Angeles, California. She later joined the Order of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1936 and took the name Sister Mary Corita. She graduated from Immaculate Heart College in 1941 and then taught grade school in British Columbia. In 1946 she returned to Immaculate Heart College to teach art. In 1951, she received a master’s degree in art history from the University of Southern California. Corita’s art gained fame in the 1960s and reflected her spirituality and commitment to social justice. As the head of the art department of Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles, she taught students to find art in everyday life, as well as everyday objects. In 1967 her works were displayed in over 150 shows in the Unites States alone. She left the order in 1968 and continued to create work.

https://cdm16120.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/fineart/id/745/rec/1

St. Catherines University Library and Archives

1955

St. Catherine University

This image may not be reproduced for any reason without the express written consent of the St. Catherine University. Contact the Visual Resources Library regarding rights to this collection. 651-690-6639

31 1/4 x 25 1/4 in

English

Serigraph

2017.0.6