{"product_id":"northern-lights-virginia-cohn-parkum-c-1989","title":"Northeld Lights - Virginia Cohn Parkum, c. 1989","description":"\u003carticle data-turn=\"assistant\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-6\" data-turn-id=\"b4b4e1d1-7f85-478b-ad26-490320b8c976\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-2\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-id=\"ba5e0f6d-53ed-43ac-8dd3-bccf9fc79f84\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ctable height=\"1543\" style=\"width: 98.087%;\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"53\" data-start=\"0\"\u003eArtwork Description\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNortheld Lights\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"56\" data-start=\"53\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"88\" data-start=\"56\"\u003eVirginia Cohn Parkum, c. 1989\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003carticle data-turn=\"assistant\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-6\" data-turn-id=\"b4b4e1d1-7f85-478b-ad26-490320b8c976\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-2\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-id=\"ba5e0f6d-53ed-43ac-8dd3-bccf9fc79f84\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-2\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-id=\"7dbb9ce6-002d-4a76-84f7-6af88d3e62f9\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"67\" data-end=\"516\"\u003eVirginia Cohn Parkum’s \u003cem data-start=\"90\" data-end=\"107\"\u003eNortheld Lights\u003c\/em\u003e reveals itself not as a landscape, but as a figure-bound composition whose title plays on expectation and perception. What initially suggests atmospheric light or celestial movement resolves into the presence of a human form — ambiguous, gestural, and partially dissolved into its surroundings. Parkum uses this perceptual shift deliberately, inviting viewers to confront how meaning emerges through looking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"518\" data-end=\"1043\"\u003eThe figure appears constructed through sweeping, calligraphic strokes rather than anatomical precision. Limbs and torso are suggested through directional movement and weight rather than contour. The body seems to bend forward or reach outward, as though engaged in labor, searching, or ritual action. The tool-like extension or elongated gesture emerging from the figure complicates interpretation: it could suggest work, defense, creation, or survival. Parkum resists clarity, allowing gesture to carry psychological weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1045\" data-end=\"1498\"\u003eColor and surface play a crucial role in dissolving the boundary between figure and environment. Rather than isolating the body, Parkum embeds it within fields of diffused light and layered pigment. Areas of luminosity appear to radiate around the form, not as natural phenomena but as emotional atmosphere — a visual aura that both reveals and obscures the subject. This ambiguity reinforces the painting’s refusal to stabilize into a single narrative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1500\" data-end=\"1971\"\u003eThe title \u003cem data-start=\"1510\" data-end=\"1527\"\u003eNortheld Lights\u003c\/em\u003e — notably not \u003cem data-start=\"1542\" data-end=\"1559\"\u003eNorthern Lights\u003c\/em\u003e — introduces a linguistic tension that mirrors the visual uncertainty. The word “held” suggests containment, suspension, or endurance. Instead of an external spectacle in the sky, the “lights” may be internal, held within the body or psyche of the figure. The painting therefore shifts from a depiction of nature to a meditation on resilience, burden, and the human capacity to carry illumination amid darkness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1973\" data-end=\"2269\"\u003eParkum’s brushwork remains urgent and physical. Swept passages of paint retain the energy of their making, while areas of thinner application allow the ground to breathe through the composition. This interplay produces a sense of motion, as though the figure exists in flux rather than stillness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2271\" data-end=\"2632\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eIn \u003cem data-start=\"2274\" data-end=\"2291\"\u003eNortheld Lights\u003c\/em\u003e, Parkum challenges viewers to move beyond initial assumptions. What first appears atmospheric becomes corporeal; what seems external reveals itself as internal. The painting holds a figure suspended between effort and illumination, suggesting that light is not something observed from afar, but something borne, endured, and carried within.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n-\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(114, 58, 150);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJonathan Flike\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(114, 58, 150);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCustom Shipping Notice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDue to size, weight, and handling requirements, this painting requires custom shipping. Shipping costs are \u003cstrong data-end=\"238\" data-start=\"222\"\u003enot included\u003c\/strong\u003e at the time of purchase and will be \u003cstrong data-end=\"322\" data-start=\"275\"\u003equoted separately after payment is received\u003c\/strong\u003e. A custom shipping invoice will be issued \u003cstrong data-end=\"393\" data-start=\"365\"\u003ewithin 3–5 business days\u003c\/strong\u003e, based on the artwork’s dimensions, destination, and quotes from our shipping partners. The artwork will \u003cstrong data-end=\"560\" data-start=\"499\"\u003enot ship until the shipping invoice has been paid in full\u003c\/strong\u003e. This process ensures appropriate packing, insurance, and safe delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInformation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStyle: Modern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubject: Figure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYear: 1989\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSight: 13.00 x 10.00 in (33.02 x 25.40 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrame: 22.50 x 18.75 inch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMedium: Mixed Media\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignature: Signed on verso\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCirculation status: One of a kind\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrame Status: Framed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"78\" data-end=\"119\"\u003eVintage Condition Disclaimer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"119\" data-end=\"122\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePlease note that this item is vintage and shows wear consistent with age, use, and history. Signs of wear may include, but are not limited to, minor surface marks, patina, fading, or imperfections typical of older items. All items are sold\u003cstrong\u003e as-is\u003c\/strong\u003e, which is standard with vintage and pre-owned goods and cannot be returned on the basis of condition. Measurements are approximate. We do our best to describe items accurately; however, condition assessments are subjective. If you would like additional details, images, or clarification before purchasing, please contact us through the contact form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Condition Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical Frame (please see Historical Framing \u0026amp; Framing Components Policy). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance*\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1989-2025\u003c\/strong\u003e: Virginia Cohn Parkum\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2025-2026\u003c\/strong\u003e: Cordier Auctions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2026-Present\u003c\/strong\u003e: Visard Gallery\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch6\u003e\u003cem\u003e*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.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcademic Resources\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fo\/fi3m8b0grc277g12czjg1\/ACj1KDAbO13SKyhypI6ysLs?rlkey=s3oqgp11pljzq8n4f1vpahu27\u0026amp;st=6nr74zc0\u0026amp;dl=0\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003eVirginia Cohn Parkum Research \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fo\/e8vnon5v9ml9f54zs9r07\/ABFaZjTGHmWxTl5a70xzebc?rlkey=tn14xm7bbvo5o0qwd3td3z5g3\u0026amp;st=yx6wbi6y\u0026amp;dl=0\" style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/article\u003e","brand":"Visard Gallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45726550327457,"sku":"ART033","price":1250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/6072\/0801\/files\/ART033_VirginiaCohnParkum_NorthernLights_Full.png?v=1771305445","url":"https:\/\/visardgallery.com\/products\/northern-lights-virginia-cohn-parkum-c-1989","provider":"Visard Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}