Georgia O’Keeffe, celebrated for her role as a modernist painter, is best known for her distinctive works featuring enlarged flowers, New York skyscrapers, and New Mexico landscapes.
Her art captures the essence and beauty of these subjects, making her a significant figure in American modernism. O’Keeffe’s unique approach to portraying natural forms has had a lasting impact on the art world, solidifying her status as an iconic and influential artist of the 20th century.
Georgia O’Keeffe’s journey to becoming an artist was marked by determination, education, and inspiration.
Born on November 15, 1887, in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, O’Keeffe developed an early interest in art.
O’Keeffe showed an early interest in art, and by age ten, she already aspired to be an artist.
She received formal art education, first at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1905, where she studied under John Vanderpoel. Due to illness, she had to take a year off from her studies.
In 1907, O’Keeffe moved to New York City, where she attended the Art Students League. There, she studied under influential artists like William Merritt Chase, Kenyon Cox, and F. Luis Mora. She won the League’s William Merritt Chase still-life prize during this time.
O’Keeffe was exposed to the innovative ideas of Arthur Wesley Dow, who emphasized principles of design and composition in Japanese art. This exposure inspired her to move away from mimetic traditions and explore abstract compositions.
The American painter worked as a commercial artist in Chicago for a brief period and later taught art in public schools in Texas and Virginia. She did not paint for four years during this time.
In 1912, while teaching at the University of Virginia, O’Keeffe took a summer art class with Alon Bement. Bement introduced her to Dow’s ideas further. This period marked the beginning of her experimentation with abstract compositions.
In New York City, she visited galleries like 291, co-owned by photographer Alfred Stieglitz, which showcased the work of avant-garde artists and photographers. This exposure played a crucial role in her artistic development.
When O’Keeffe’s art, particularly her flower paintings, was first exhibited in the 1920s, it received mixed reviews. Some critics praised her work for its boldness and originality, while others found it controversial and challenging.
A significant portion of the criticism and controversy surrounding O’Keeffe’s art in the 1920s stemmed from interpretations of her flower paintings as representations of female genitalia. Male critics, in particular, viewed her work through a sexualized lens, which caused controversy and debates about her intentions.
O’Keeffe’s husband, Alfred Stieglitz, was a prominent figure in the art world and played a significant role in promoting her art. His support and exhibition of her work at his gallery, 291, influenced the perception of her art.
Over time, as societal attitudes evolved, so did the interpretation of O’Keeffe’s art. In the 1970s, feminist groups championed her work, considering her a feminist icon and celebrating her paintings as symbols of female sexual independence. This shift in perspective contributed to a more positive reception of her art.
Radiator Building–Night, New York, 1927, by Georgia O’Keeffe
O’Keeffe had a deep connection to the natural world, and it served as a significant source of inspiration for her art. She was particularly drawn to the landscapes of New Mexico, where she spent a considerable portion of her life. The dramatic desert landscapes, with their vast skies, unique rock formations, and vibrant colors, heavily influenced her work.
Her iconic flower paintings were inspired by her fascination with the intricate and often overlooked beauty of flowers. She sought to capture the essence of flowers through her art, often magnifying them to highlight their intricate details and abstract qualities.
During her time in New York City, O’Keeffe was inspired by the urban environment and skyscrapers. She created paintings that reflected the architectural forms and energy of the city.
O’Keeffe was influenced by the ideas of Arthur Wesley Dow, her art teacher, who emphasized the importance of abstraction, simplification, and the use of line and color to convey emotions and ideas. This influence led her to develop her unique style, characterized by abstraction and simplicity.
Her husband, Alfred Stieglitz, was a renowned photographer who played a significant role in her life and art. His photography and modernist approach had an impact on her artistic development.
O’Keeffe’s career as a successful and independent female artist challenged the societal norms of her time. In the early 20th century, women artists faced significant barriers and prejudices in the art world. Her achievements as a modernist painter helped pave the way for other women artists to gain recognition and success.
Her art often contained symbols of women’s strength and independence, such as the cow skull, which represented her connection to the American Southwest and the resilience of women in harsh environments. Her paintings conveyed a sense of autonomy and self-expression.
Her willingness to explore new artistic styles, challenge conventions, and live life on her own terms served as an example of female empowerment. Her art and life choices encouraged women to break free from societal constraints and pursue their passions.
Today, Georgia O’Keeffe is widely regarded as a pioneering and influential artist in American modernism. Her art, including her flower paintings, is celebrated for its unique perspective and innovative approach. While some early interpretations focused on sexuality, contemporary views appreciate her work for its exploration of form, color, and abstraction.
O’Keeffe’s 1915 “Red Canna”, Yale University Art Gallery
Georgia O’Keeffe, born on November 15, 1887, in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, was a prominent American artist known for her innovative and iconic paintings of large-scale flowers, New York skyscrapers, New...
