{"product_id":"why-virginia-cohn-parkum-c-1987","title":"Why? - Virginia Cohn Parkum, c. 1987","description":"\u003carticle 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)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"b4b4e1d1-7f85-478b-ad26-490320b8c976\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-6\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-turn=\"assistant\" 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-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"ba5e0f6d-53ed-43ac-8dd3-bccf9fc79f84\" dir=\"auto\" 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\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 98.087%;\" height=\"1543\"\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-start=\"0\" data-end=\"53\"\u003eArtwork Description\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"53\" data-end=\"56\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"56\" data-end=\"88\"\u003eVirginia Cohn Parkum, c. 1987\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003carticle 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)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"b4b4e1d1-7f85-478b-ad26-490320b8c976\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-6\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-turn=\"assistant\" 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-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"ba5e0f6d-53ed-43ac-8dd3-bccf9fc79f84\" dir=\"auto\" 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\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-2\"\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-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"7dbb9ce6-002d-4a76-84f7-6af88d3e62f9\" dir=\"auto\" 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\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-2\"\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=\"55\" data-end=\"418\"\u003eIn \u003cem data-start=\"58\" data-end=\"64\"\u003eWhy?\u003c\/em\u003e, Virginia Cohn Parkum presents a figure in motion rather than in mourning. The body strides forward with an almost theatrical confidence — hips angled, torso turning, limbs animated by bold, sweeping contours. This sense of strutting movement animates the composition, suggesting forward momentum, resilience, and presence rather than collapse or grief.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"420\" data-end=\"880\"\u003eThe palette reinforces this outward vitality. Parkum deploys bright, saturated color — a vibrant yellow field, warm reds, and flashes of white and blue — that radiate warmth and light. The sunlike disk behind the figure acts as both backdrop and halo, creating an atmosphere that feels energized rather than somber. It reads as illumination, exposure, or even a stage light, placing the figure within an environment that appears outwardly optimistic and alive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"882\" data-end=\"1346\"\u003eYet the title \u003cem data-start=\"896\" data-end=\"902\"\u003eWhy?\u003c\/em\u003e complicates this brightness. While the exterior world glows, the figure’s posture carries an ambiguity: the head is turned away, the face obscured, and the body’s movement feels purposeful but unresolved. The stride may signal determination, but it also suggests the act of moving through memory rather than escaping it. Parkum seems to stage a contrast between the liveliness of the present moment and the persistence of interior questioning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1348\" data-end=\"1796\"\u003eThis tension evokes the experience of carrying difficult memories within environments that appear unchanged or even joyful. The world moves forward; light returns; color reasserts itself — yet internal reflection lingers. The bright sun does not erase the past; instead, it illuminates it. The figure’s confident gait may therefore be read as an act of endurance: continuing through life’s brightness while quietly confronting unresolved questions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1798\" data-end=\"2097\"\u003eParkum’s compositional approach supports this reading. The figure is not immobilized by sorrow but propelled by movement. The bold chromatic contrasts and dynamic shapes suggest energy and life, while the obscured face and introspective title hint at an inner dialogue unfolding beneath the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2099\" data-end=\"2456\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eWithin Parkum’s larger body of work, \u003cem data-start=\"2136\" data-end=\"2142\"\u003eWhy?\u003c\/em\u003e may be understood as an exploration of dual realities: the outward performance of vitality and the inward persistence of memory. Rather than depicting despair, the painting captures the complexity of moving forward — the way one can walk through light, color, and warmth while still carrying unanswered questions.\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-start=\"222\" data-end=\"238\"\u003enot included\u003c\/strong\u003e at the time of purchase and will be \u003cstrong data-start=\"275\" data-end=\"322\"\u003equoted separately after payment is received\u003c\/strong\u003e. A custom shipping invoice will be issued \u003cstrong data-start=\"365\" data-end=\"393\"\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-start=\"499\" data-end=\"560\"\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: 1987\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 24.00 x 36.00 in (60.96 x 91.44 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrame: 24.50 x 36.50 in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMedium: Acrylic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Canvas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignature: Stamped 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-end=\"119\" data-start=\"78\"\u003eVintage Condition Disclaimer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"122\" data-start=\"119\"\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\u003eN\/A\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\u003eUnknown-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 rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fo\/fi3m8b0grc277g12czjg1\/ACj1KDAbO13SKyhypI6ysLs?rlkey=s3oqgp11pljzq8n4f1vpahu27\u0026amp;st=6nr74zc0\u0026amp;dl=0\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\"\u003eVirginia Cohn Parkum Research \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: rgb(81, 185, 217);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fo\/e8vnon5v9ml9f54zs9r07\/ABFaZjTGHmWxTl5a70xzebc?rlkey=tn14xm7bbvo5o0qwd3td3z5g3\u0026amp;st=yx6wbi6y\u0026amp;dl=0\"\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":45731571761313,"sku":"ART045","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/6072\/0801\/files\/ART045_VirginiaCohnParkum_Why_Full.png?v=1771474801","url":"https:\/\/visardgallery.com\/products\/why-virginia-cohn-parkum-c-1987","provider":"Visard Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}