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Description
Kitty Enso 3*
Virginia Cohn Parkum, c. Unknown
In Kitty Enso 3, Virginia Cohn Parkum gently transforms the meditative gravity …
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Kitty Enso 3*
Virginia Cohn Parkum, c. Unknown
In Kitty Enso 3, Virginia Cohn Parkum gently transforms the meditative gravity of the Zen enso into an image infused with affection, wit, and everyday intimacy. A single, fluid brushstroke forms the circular enclosure — slightly uneven, softly tapered, and alive with tonal variation — preserving the immediacy of the hand and the contemplative breath from which it emerged. The enso traditionally signifies wholeness, emptiness, and enlightenment; here, Parkum preserves that spiritual resonance while quietly inviting a smile.
At the top of the circle, two small, pointed strokes unmistakably suggest cat ears. With this minimal intervention, the sacred form shifts into a living presence. The gesture is playful but deliberate: the circle becomes both symbol and creature, both philosophical void and beloved companion.
Below the form, Parkum’s handwritten question — “What is?” — expands the work’s contemplative dimension. The phrase echoes philosophical and Zen inquiries into the nature of being, perception, and reality. Yet, paired with the feline silhouette, the question softens. It suggests that understanding may arise not through abstraction alone, but through attentive presence with the simple, immediate world — the quiet company of a cat, the stillness of shared space, the comfort of the familiar.
The brushwork remains uncorrected and spontaneous, honoring the Zen principle that the enso records a moment of consciousness rather than an ideal form. The cat ears do not parody the symbol; instead, they humanize it, reminding viewers that awareness and tenderness coexist.
In Kitty Enso 3, Parkum reveals that spiritual insight need not be austere. The work proposes a gentle truth: enlightenment may reside not only in silence and discipline, but in humor, companionship, and the soft attentiveness of everyday life.
-Jonathan Flike
*The title of this work was assigned by Visard Gallery.
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- Dimensions
- 9ʺW × 0.1ʺD × 12ʺH
- Frame Type
- Unframed
- Period
- 2000 - 2009
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Pen and Ink
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Black
- Condition Notes
- Please note that this item is vintage and shows wear consistent with age, use, and history. Signs of wear may … morePlease 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 as-is, 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. less
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