HELA
Henrietta Lacks’ Immortal Cells pays tribute to the Baltimore woman whose cancer cells were taken without consent in 1951 and became the foundation of modern medical research. Kent’s artworks in this series transform Henrietta Lacks’ legacy from object to subject, from specimen to ancestor. Using abstraction and symbolism, the collection raises ethical questions about consent, exploitation, and the value of Black life in science.
An Abstract Baltimore Story
2019, Mp4 video, 3:28 mins
Written and directed by Jeffrey Kent
Animation and Sound by Peter Smith
The Carnival, Anything Can Happen (detail) (A Positive to Every Negative) 2018, acrylic on canvas, 91.44 x 121.92 cm (36 x 48 in) PRIVATE COLLECTION
Culture HeLa No. 5 (The Theft) 2017, acrylic on canvas, framed in oak, 40.64 x 40.64 cm (16 x 16 in) PRIVATE COLLECTION
HeLa No. 250 2018, acrylic on canvas, 157.48 x 106.68 cm (62 x 42 in)
Split Decision 1 (detail) 2017, acrylic on canvas, framed in oak, 101.6 x 76.2 cm (40 x 30 in) PRIVATE COLLECTION
Split Decision 2 (detail) 2017, acrylic on canvas, framed in oak, 101.6 x 76.2 cm (40 x 30 in) PRIVATE COLLECTION
HeLa No. 1 (detail) 2017, Acrylic on canvas, framed in oak, 81.28 x 81.28 cm (32 x 32 in) PERMANENT COLLECTION NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCE
HeLa No. 249 (detail) 2018 , acrylic on canvas, 152.4 x 127 cm (60 x 50 in)
Progression (HeLa NO. 34) (detail) 2011, acrylic on canvas, 213.36 x 127 cm (84 x 50 in)
Process and Research, (HeLa No. 205) (detail) 2017, acrylic on canvas, 91.44 x 91.44 cm (36 x 36 in) PRIVATE COLLECTION
Choices (HeLa No. 57) (detail) 2002-2017, acrylic on canvas with gold leaf exposed stretchers, 104.14 x 121.92 cm (41 x 48 in)
Escape of the Ego (detail)
2018, acrylic on canvas with exposed stretchers, 121.92 x 121.92 cm (48 x 48 in)
HILTON HOTELS & RESORTS