Cosmic Earth Victoria Series

The Victoria series was painted during an intensive three-month period in 1988-89. Although differing in emotional intensity from earlier works, this series nonetheless reflects images manifested in her Cosmic Dance, Cosmic Myth, and Cosmic Earth (1979-88) series. It also foreshadows the later works of her Oasis series (1994-present), combining mythical and figurative elements.

Reflecting on the series, created after her daughter contracted the HIV/AIDS virus through a blood transfusion, Isham explains, "Clearly the series tells the story of an odyssey one hopes never to experience. It spans all human emotions from love to terror to hope and finally triumph and joy. It is an epic poem in paint, expressed in brilliant color and strong forms. From dark to light, cold to warm, violent painterly gestures to softer, undulating forms that express peace, joy, and relief."

- Susan Fisher Sterling

NMWA deputy director/chief curator