Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986)
SHAPING AMERICAN MODERNISM
Georgia O’Keeffe was one of America’s foremost modernist artists. A master of abstraction, O’Keeffe is best known for her powerful plant and flower still lifes and vibrant desert landscapes—most inspired by her love of the Southwest.
Georgia O’Keeffe found inspiration in New Mexico’s desert landscapes.
O’Keeffe was born in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. She began taking art lessons at a young age and declared her intention to become an artist while still in high school. Following graduation, O’Keeffe moved to Chicago where she studied at the Art Institute for a brief time, followed by a short stint at the Arts Students League in New York. But O’Keeffe soon became discouraged and moved back to Chicago to work as a commercial artist; she later moved to Texas to teach elementary school art classes.
O’Keeffe ventured into art once again a few years later after attending summer art classes. She created several charcoal drawings, which made their way to famous New York photographer and gallery owner Alfred Stieglitz. Stieglitz exhibited the drawings and formed a relationship with O’Keeffe that eventually led to the couple’s marriage in 1924. Stieglitz spent the rest of his life promoting O’Keeffe’s work, and her popularity grew steadily.
In 1946, Stieglitz fell ill and died unexpectedly. Three years later, O’Keeffe moved to New Mexico permanently where she continued to work until she died. —RJR
Notable works: Evening, 1916; Evening Star VI, 1917; Calla Lily Turned Away, 1923.
FUN FACT
The Georgia O’ Keeffe Museum and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Research Center are located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at 217 Johnson Street. Visit www.okeeffemuseum.org.