"Georgia O'Keeffe" By Haliey Gonzalez | Mini Post #1 | 01.28.2020

Georgia O'Keeffe, Autumn Trees - The Maple, 1924

Georgia O'Keeffe, Oriental Poppies, 1927

Georgia O'Keeffe, The White Flower, 1932

Georgia O’Keeffe:

Georgia O’Keeffe grew to be one of the most popular artists for abstract expressionism and modernism in the 20^th century. Her work is heavily influenced by the multiple communities which she identified with and/or was exposed to as a growing artist. A great majority of her paintings are revolved around the depictions of flowers and their blooming nature. The manner in which O’Keeffe uses a variety of contrasting colors and shapes to give life to the flowers she chose to portray, is what has helped shape her popularity as a female artist. O’Keeffe’s ability to focus on the simple, yet complex nature of flowers has opened a window of opportunities for other female artists alike. Who particularly aim to break artistic barriers society, the art world, and male artists have put in place both intentionally and unintentionally. 

For many years O’Keeffe argued her work was not meant to depict anything relating to feminist ideologies. Despite this, the artistic freedom she allowed herself to express has driven many to view her, as well as her work as representations of feminism. Many fans – specifically those involved with the feminist movements of the late 20^th century – chose to interpret her work of art as a representation of the female genitalia (the vulva to be exact). For these women interpreting O’Keeffe’s work as such, allowed them to feel supported in their efforts to take back their power as women in a society that often dominated their every move. O’Keeffe’s work provided an opportunity to connect as a minority group (women) that are often oppressed by society through numerous avenues. 

Relating Links:
1. Flowers or Vaginas? Georgia O'Keeffe Tate show to challenge sexual cliches | The Guardian
2. Georgia O'Keeffe's controversial paintings | Exotic Flowers Blog
3. Georgia O'Keeffe Overview | Artsy