Georgia O’Keeffe: Beyond Stereotypes: Cityscapes, Flowers, and Vaginas

1918 ` A Stieglitz portrait of Georgia O’Keeffe (1918)

Georgia O’Keeffe (1887–1986) wielded her brush as a trailblazing American artist, leaving an indelible mark with her captivating modernist masterpieces that celebrated the delicate grace of flowers and the grandeur of vast landscapes. But what was beyond the stereotypes?

Her prominence began in 1916 with abstract charcoal drawings sent to her friend (and possible lover) Rebecca “Beck” Strand in New York. These were shown to famed photographer and dealer Alfred Stieglitz, who exhibited them without O’Keeffe’s knowledge. Despite her initial hesitation, she allowed the exhibition to proceed. O’Keeffe and Stieglitz married in 1924, while O’Keeffe maintained relationships with women throughout her life.

In 1925, O’Keeffe and Stieglitz moved into the newly opened Shelton Hotel, then the tallest worldwide. The Shelton’s view heavily influenced her art, as seen in paintings like “The Shelton with Sunspots, N.Y.” (1926). Many of her iconic skyscraper paintings depict the cityscape from her suite.

The Shelton with Sunspots, N.Y. 1926 Georgia O’Keeffe (American, 1887–1986)

From 1925 to 1936, the renowned artist Georgia O’Keeffe called Suite 3003 of this hotel her home and studio. During this…