Hieroglyphic Writing and Eastern Symbolism, 1964-1967

Hieroglyphic Writing and Eastern Symbolism, 1964–1967

Isham’s study of calligraphy with master Feng Kanghou spoke to Isham’s need to plumb the depths of Chinese culture and philosophy. Chinese calligraphy and the symbols of Eastern philosophy also became the means through which Isham might tap the source of a personal inner expansion. Marking a period of immense artistic growth, Isham discovered a way to move beyond the expressionistic urban images of her Berlin and Moscow periods into realizations of what she considered spiritual states of mind in tune with the constantly fluctuating energies of which the universe consists.

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Sheila Isham, Hieroglyphic Writing and Eastern Symbolism

Tang Poem, “In ancient times the yellow mountains wound around the Palace of Han,” 1966. Chinese ink on acrylic monotype on rice paper, 25 x 37 ½ in. (63.5 x 95.3 cm). Estate of Sheila Isham, New York

Sheila Isham, Hieroglyphic Writing and Eastern Symbolism

Chinese Painting Poem, Chang Hsu – “In the first full moon we shall drink wine together,” 1965. Chinese ink on acrylic monotype, 37 ½ x 25 in. (95.3 x 63.5 cm). Estate of Sheila Isham, New York

Sheila Isham, Hieroglyphic Writing and Eastern Symbolism

Song of the Palace – A Taoist Poem, 1964-1965. Acrylic on canvas with Chinese ink, 78 x 40 in. Estate of Sheila Isham, New York

Sheila Isham, Hieroglyphic Writing and Eastern Symbolism

Scream of Death (Vietnam), Calligraphy, 1967. Acrylic on canvas, 40 in. (101.6 cm) diameter. Estate of Sheila Isham, New York

Sheila Isham, Hieroglyphic Writing and Eastern Symbolism

Ode to the Moon, Calligraphy, 1967. Acrylic on canvas, 42 in. (106.7 cm) diameter. Estate of Sheila Isham, New York

Sheila Isham, Hieroglyphic Writing and Eastern Symbolism

I Ching III – The Arousing, 1969. Lithograph on Velin d'Arches off-white wove paper with poems by Barbara Guest, printed at Mourlot Graphics, Ltd., sheet: 15 3/4 x 24 1/8 in. (40 x 61.3 cm), portfolio: 24 3/4 × 16 7/16 in. (62.8 × 41.8 cm). Collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York; Collection of the Princeton University Art Museum, New Jersey

 

Copyright ©2020-2024 Sheila Isham Estate, New York. All rights reserved. The copyright of all art by Sheila Isham and writings presented herein belong to the Estate of Sheila Isham, and some photographs and videos presented herein may be protected by third-party copyrights not owned by the Estate of Sheila Isham. Such images, video, and text may not be reproduced, displayed, published, distributed or modified in any form or fashion without express written approval under penalty of the law. All requests to reproduce, display, publish, distribute or modify Sheila Isham's works and texts in any manner should be directed to the Estate’s representative:
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