Recovering Secrets examines narratives of individual struggle and systemic injustice, bringing together works from four series over the course of his career. Pieces from his series Hidden Secrets reflect 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 underlying issues.

This exhibition also showcases works from "Surface from Under the Microscope: The Henrietta Lacks Series." Kent shifts his focus to the intersection of art and science, examining 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 fluorescent microscopic imagery of HeLa cells, pay homage to Lacks while raising important questions about ethics, patients’ rights, and racial disparities in health care. This series exposes the racial and ethical dimensions of this scientific milestone, offering commentary on the exploitation of Black bodies in the name of progress.

This layered approach to storytelling is reflected in Kent’s creative process, which involves intuitive layering and removal of paint, creating complex, abstract compositions that mirror the depths of his narratives. Kent’s work spans various mediums, including sculpture, painting, film, and performance art. His diverse artistic journey began with fashion design and evolved through his studies at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Influenced by artists like Gilliam, Basquiat, Rauschenberg, and Johns, Kent’s bold style weaves narratives into visual memoirs that speak to the human condition.

Recovering Secrets prompts us to uncover layers of meaning and consider the triumph of human resilience in the face of adversity. Through powerful storytelling and a unique artistic vision, Kent illuminates personal narratives, social injustices, and scientific ethics. Kent’s compelling visual narratives cement his position in contemporary art and underscore his role as a cultural producer deeply intertwined with the Baltimore community.

Carol Rhodes Dyson, MFA
Guest Curator
Adjunct Professor
Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Art
Howard University
carolrhodes.dyson@howard.edu