Spirit of Independence

The works in the exhibition are part of the Kent Bicentennial Portfolio: Spirit of Independence, published in 1975 by Lorillard, A Division of Loews Theatres, Inc. and the same producers as Kent cigarettes, in order to “help illuminate the American experience as a contemporary expression of the meaning of our country’s independence.” Participating artists responded to the question: “What does independence mean to me?” in anticipation of the nation’s 200th anniversary. The works offer a glimpse into the mindset of artists in 1976 and pave a way for the viewer to consider how the nation and the notions of independence have evolved into the 21st century.