Energy Fields, 1970-1973

Energy Fields Series, 1970–1973

Isham’s interest in states of energy date to the start of her studies in Hong Kong. From the Far Eastern philosophical writings to the her own spiritual journey, she recognized both a universal and interior force realized through color juxtapositions and groupings that assume an overall shape. In this series, light and color burst across the canvas in allover chromatic essays. Isham’s use of the airbrush is masterful and her color sense explodes the surface in ways that are optically compelling. One cannot deny that these works contribute to the Washington Color Field School in ways both significant and challenging. Of them, Isham stated that “I began to let the Eastern elements merge with Western Tradition again . . . only this time in reverse.” In this series of paintings, the airbrush technique becomes foundational for her art. A resonating sense of Eastern elements, such as the thrown-ink technique, is simulated by surging contrasts of spayed densities and transparencies, which allow light to ricochet throughout her allover chromatic atmospheres.

Featured

Kuan I, 1971. Acrylic on canvas, 87 1/4 x 110 in. (221.6 x 279.4 cm). Estate of Sheila Isham, New York. Image courtesy of Hollis Taggart Gallery, New York.

Ken (Keeping Still), 1970. Acrylic on canvas, 46 1/2 × 30 in. (118.1 × 76.2 cm). Private Collection

Ching I, 1970. Acrylic on canvas, 55 1/2 x 76 1/2 in. (141 194.3 cm). Estate of Sheila Isham, New York. Image courtesy of Hollis Taggart Gallery, New York.

Ken — Keeping Still Mountain, 1970. Acrylic on canvas, 92 x 55 in. Estate of Sheila Isham, New York

Yü / Enthusiasm, 1970. Acrylic on canvas, 94 x 113 in. (238.8 x 287 cm). Estate of Sheila Isham, New York. Image courtesy of Hollis Taggart Gallery, New York.

Po — Mountain With Wind, 1970. 83 x 109 in. Estate of Sheila Isham, New York

T’ui – Joy, 1971. Airbrush acrylic on canvas, 94 x 113 in. (238.8 x 287 cm). Private Collection.

Lü – Fire with Mountain, 1971. Acrylic on canvas, 87 x 113 in. (221 x 287 cm). Estate of Sheila Isham, New York. Image courtesy of Hollis Taggart Gallery, New York.

Wu Wang II — Innocence, 1970. Acrylic on canvas, 94 x 113 in. (238.8 x 287 cm). Estate of Sheila Isham, New York. Image courtesy of Hollis Taggart Gallery, New York.

Untitled, 1970. Acrylic on canvas, 44 1/2 x 55 in. (113 x 139.7 cm). Estate of Sheila Isham, New York. Image courtesy of Hollis Taggart Gallery, New York.

Ko — Revolution, 1970. Acrylic on canvas, 90 x 114 in. Estate of Sheila Isham, New York. Image courtesy of Hollis Taggart Gallery, New York.

Energy Fields, 1970-1973

Energy Fields Series, 1970–1973

Return to Merging Eastern Philosophy and Techniques and Western Modernist Practice, 1964-1974