Caroline Kent

Kent's artistic journey is an exploration of the complex interplay between language and abstraction. Her large-scale abstract paintings serve as a canvas for probing the power and limitations of communication, informed by her personal experiences and cultural heritage.  

Biography of Caroline Kent

"Caroline Kent's academic journey commenced at Illinois State University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree, graduating in 1998. During her time at the university, she was introduced to the art of Russian Constructivists and foreign films, which left an indelible mark on her artistic sensibilities. Kent became captivated by the universal nature of the visual language found in art. She realized that on a canvas, everyone shared the same starting point, free from the constraints of linguistic barriers.

After completing her undergraduate studies, Kent embarked on a unique adventure by joining the Peace Corps. She lived and worked in Transylvania, Romania, for two years, where she discovered inspiration in the pastel colors that would later play a significant role in some of her most renowned works.

In 2008, Kent further honed her artistic skills by earning a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Minnesota. She continued to expand her artistic horizons by serving as an assistant professor of Art, Theory, and Practice at Northwestern University.

Caroline Kent's Art Style

Caroline Kent's artwork is a profound exploration of abstract painting, intricately woven with themes of language and translation. Her work draws significant influence from her vibrant Mexican heritage and her personal encounters with language and textual translation, stemming from her experiences with her twin sister. 

Mexican artists, including Pedro Coronel and Luis Barragán, have had a lasting impact on Caroline Kent's paintings. Their "bold spontaneity" and "structuralist dynamics" have found expression in her large-scale works, characterized by vivid colors and rich textures. Her visit to Casa Luis Barragan in Mexico City, in particular, served as inspiration for her series "Victoria/Veronica: The Figment Between Us."

Kent's artistry often combines geometry, color, and pattern, reminiscent of the groundbreaking works of artists like Hilma af Klint and Alma Thomas. She consistently employs a black background as a symbolic void, offering a neutral canvas for language to dwell upon. Her paintings transcend the two-dimensional realm, evolving into three-dimensional and time-based performances, blurring the boundaries between different artistic mediums.