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Artwork Description Bluejay* In Bluejay, Virginia Cohn Parkum presents a haunting, introspective figure that emerges from a field of deep blues and shadowed grays. The portrait is not built through conventional modeling but through luminous contour lines and subtle tonal shifts that allow the face to surface gradually from darkness. The eyes, outlined with pale strokes, hover between presence and absence, lending the figure an enigmatic, almost spectral awareness. The painting’s chromatic atmosphere is dominated by layered blues, indigos, and cool blacks, punctuated by faint electric accents that evoke reflected light rather than direct illumination. These hues recall twilight or submerged space, suggesting emotional depth rather than physical environment. The white strokes along the head covering and facial contours act as visual scaffolding, guiding the viewer’s gaze while emphasizing the constructed nature of the image. Parkum’s handling of paint remains direct and tactile. Thin washes dissolve into opaque passages, while dry-brushed lines trace features with an immediacy akin to drawing. The chest area, mottled with textured dots and scumbled marks, adds material complexity and reinforces the sense of a body emerging through layers of memory and atmosphere. The title’s avian reference invites metaphor. Like the blue jay—known for its sharp perception and piercing call—the figure seems alert, watchful, and emotionally guarded. Yet the subdued palette and softened forms temper any aggression, transforming vigilance into quiet endurance. Within Parkum’s broader exploration of psychological interiority, Bluejay stands as a meditation on identity, perception, and solitude. The portrait resists full revelation, instead offering a face suspended between concealment and disclosure—an image that feels both deeply personal and universally human. |
*The title of this work was assigned by Visard Gallery. |
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Custom Shipping Notice Due to size, weight, and handling requirements, this painting requires custom shipping. Shipping costs are not included at the time of purchase and will be quoted separately after payment is received. A custom shipping invoice will be issued within 3–5 business days, based on the artwork’s dimensions, destination, and quotes from our shipping partners. The artwork will not ship until the shipping invoice has been paid in full. This process ensures appropriate packing, insurance, and safe delivery. |
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Information
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Vintage Condition Disclaimer Special Condition Notes Historical Frame (please see Historical Framing & Framing Components Policy) |
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Provenance* 1980s-2025: Virginia Cohn Parkum 2025-2026: Cordier Auctions 2026-Present: Visard Gallery *Provenance and attribution details are based on our best research and are offered in good faith but are not guaranteed. Please contact us through the contact form with any questions prior to purchase. |
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Bluejay - Virginia Cohn Parkum, c. 1980s
$500.00
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Bluejay - Virginia Cohn Parkum, c. 1980s
$500.00
Historical Framing & Framing Components Policy