be 1967

Editor: Here we have Corita Kent's "be," a vibrant screen print. The bold colors and simple message are striking. What draws your eye when you look at this piece? Curator: I'm immediately drawn to the process itself. Screen printing democratized art production. Notice the imperfections? They reveal the hand of the artist, highlighting the labor involved and the materiality of the ink on paper. Editor: So, it’s not just about the message, but how it was made? Curator: Precisely. Kent, a nun, embraced mass production techniques. She elevated everyday materials and processes into art. This piece challenges notions of artistic genius and uniqueness. The printing process itself becomes part of the artwork's meaning. Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. It makes me see the artwork in a completely different way, focusing on its origins and context.