Georgia O’Keeffe’s ‘New Yorks’ Exhibited Together for the First Time

by

As a gamer who’s always been fascinated by the intersection of art and technology, experiencing the Georgia O’Keeffe: My New Yorks exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago has been nothing short of mind-blowing! I’ve spent countless hours in virtual worlds, but never have I felt so immersed in a digital landscape as I did standing before these masterpieces.

From now until September 22, 2024, the Art Institute of Chicago is showcasing the first complete exhibit of Georgia O’Keeffe’s New York paintings, a collection that emerged amidst a predominantly male art scene that discouraged her distinctive dark and angular style. Frequently eclipsed by her renowned Southwestern works, these urban landscapes in the form of paintings, sketches, and pastels have been less celebrated. The series titled “My New Yorks” marked the beginning of O’Keeffe’s journey towards becoming a significant figure in modernist art.

Previously residing in Manhattan, O’Keeffe found a home. In 1924, she wed photographer Alfred Stieglitz and they settled on the 30th floor of the iconic Shelton Hotel in Midtown – the tallest residential building at that time. This lofty abode provided her with an expansive viewpoint that fueled her artistic spirit.

O’Keeffe’s interpretation of New York City explores the metropolis from her unique perspective using techniques of abstraction and scale. Peering up at colossal skyscrapers and gazing out from her lofty apartment, the artist elevates the viewer to breathtaking vistas. The formal approach in artworks such as “Manhattan” paved the way for her future creations. In a captivating tapestry of pinks and blues, O’Keeffe skillfully combines sharp lines with delicate flowers to reveal life within stillness.

The title is inspired by a quote saying, “My New Yorks have the power to reorient the entire world.” Enclosed by gorges of steel and cement, the artist skillfully depicts where the bright lights glimmer. As O’Keeffe expressed, “It’s impossible to paint New York as it actually is, but rather as it is experienced.

The exhibition is on view at the Art Institute of Chicago until September 22, 2024.

The Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Ave,
Chicago, IL 60603

Read More

2024-09-12 19:56