The Woman’s War. Oil on canvas. Series of 8 at 5’X7’ and 1 at 7’x10’. 2024. 

Welcome to the War.

Wilde’s work invites the audience to delve into an alternative American history, where women take center stage, challenging and redefining the narrative. This collection comprises eight powerful portraits, each showcasing a woman of color in a commanding stance, perched above the viewer and nestled on tree branches. Central to the exhibition is an epic composition—an enthralling portrayal of two strong females engaged in sparring. This masterpiece anchors the collection, symbolizing the collective strength and resilience of women throughout history. The surrounding women in the forest seem to convene, forming a powerful omni-generational sisterhood who challenge the viewer to contemplate the role of women in shaping our collective destiny. 

Two ongoing continuations of this work are Field Notes and The Work series

Exploration of an Alternative American History: Each portrait serves as a window into a phantasmagoric landscape: a dense, old-growth forest bathed in the cool blue tones reminiscent of 21st-century electronics and LED screens. Drawing inspiration from American revolutionary-era military garb, Wilde’s figures exist as mythic embodiments of “woman as revolutionary”. Wilde's subjects confront the viewer, their stoic expressions and commanding presence demanding attention and reception into the cultural zeitgeist.

Venue and Layout: The paintings are strategically arranged in a circular fashion. As visitors navigate the exhibition, they will be enveloped by the phantasmagoric forest, creating an immersive experience that goes beyond the canvas. The unique setting enhances the emotional impact of Wilde's work, drawing viewers into a contemplative space where the past and present converge. Similar to Claude Monet’s Lilies in The Round:

Inspiration: Evidence from the past one hundred years supports archaeological finds from the Holocene that women from a broad range of cultures intentionally hunt for subsistence. These results aim to shift the male-hunter female-gatherer paradigm to account for the significant role females have in hunting, thus dramatically shifting stereotypes of labor, as well as mobility.

GoFundMe for Studio fees and Supplies