Recovering Secrets features eight works highlighting Kent's life story and social engagement. Five pieces from his earlier series, "Hidden Secrets," offer a poignant reflection of Kent's battle with addiction and experiences with the criminal justice system. Kent, who openly describes himself as a "recovering crack addict," uses this series to explore the complex realities of addiction and recovery. Through a masterful combination of materials and reverse text, Kent creates layered compositions that invite viewers to look beyond the surface and confront the underlying issues he addresses.
The exhibition also showcases works from "Surface from Under the Microscope: The Henrietta Lacks' Series." In this exhibit originally shown at the National Academy of Sciences in 2019-2020, Kent shifted his focus to the intersection of art and science, bringing attention to the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman from Baltimore whose cells became the source of the first immortal human cell line. Kent's abstract paintings, inspired by microscopic imagery of HeLa cells, pay homage to Lacks while raising important questions about medical ethics, patients' rights, and racial disparities in healthcare. This series highlights the racial and ethical dimensions of this scientific milestone, offering a powerful commentary on the exploitation of Black bodies in the name of progress.
Kent's creative process involves intuitive layering and removal of paint, creating complex, abstract compositions that mirror the layered nature of his narratives. His work spans various mediums, including sculpture, painting, film, and performance art, reflecting a diverse artistic journey that began with fashion design and evolved through his studies at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Influenced by artists like Gilliam, Basquiat, Pollock, and Picasso, Kent's bold style weaves complex narratives into visual art, offering a profound commentary on the human condition.
Recovering Secrets invites viewers to engage fully with Kent's art, uncovering layers of meaning and considering the triumph of human resilience in the face of adversity. Through powerful storytelling and a unique artistic vision, Kent challenges us to reflect on personal struggles, social injustices, and scientific ethics. This exhibition showcases Kent's ability to transform experiences into compelling visual narratives, cementing his position in contemporary art and underscoring his role as a cultural producer deeply intertwined with his community.