Georgia O’Keeffe, the renowned artist known for her floral paintings and Southwestern landscapes, is now being celebrated for her lesser-known subject: New York City. The exhibition titled “My New Yorks” showcases approximately 100 items, including paintings, photographs, pastels, drawings, and letters, highlighting how the city influenced O’Keeffe’s artistic journey. Currently on display at the Art Institute of Chicago, the exhibition will later move to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.
In 1924, O’Keeffe and her husband, Alfred Stieglitz, moved into the Shelton Hotel in New York. The views from the hotel’s 30th floor inspired O’Keeffe, leading her to create many cityscape paintings. Unlike her vibrant floral works, O’Keeffe’s New York paintings are darker and more somber. Despite her fondness for these pieces, she faced criticism from her contemporaries who believed urban landscapes were too masculine for her.
Stieglitz, in particular, had reservations about O’Keeffe painting New York scenes, expecting her to bring a certain femininity to her art. However, O’Keeffe’s urban paintings laid the foundation for her iconic floral pieces. The towering buildings of New York inspired her to create bold and brilliant floral depictions on large canvases, challenging viewers to see them in a new light.
The “My New Yorks” exhibition provides insight into how O’Keeffe’s cityscapes connect with the rest of her work. The gallery arrangements mirror O’Keeffe’s own presentation style, showcasing a diverse range of subjects from glowing skyscrapers to desert abstractions. The show has been praised for its cohesive display of O’Keeffe’s varied subjects and is a must-see for anyone interested in Modern painting.
“My New Yorks” is currently on view at the Art Institute of Chicago until September 22, 2024, before heading to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta from October 25, 2024, to February 16, 2025. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore O’Keeffe’s artistic evolution in the bustling backdrop of New York City.
