Georgia O'Keeffe is America's most significant female artist and perhaps the most influential figure in American modernism. The artist (1887-1986) lived nearly four decades to her death in New Mexico where she divided time between her Ghost Ranch and Spanish colonial house and studio in the nearby tiny town of Abiquiu. Both residences are approximately 60 miles north of Santa Fe.
The George O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe is billed as the world's only art museum devoted to a female American artist. The relatively new museum (actually galleries) opened in 1997 and is located on the edge of Santa Fe's trendy downtown arts district. Parking is troublesome and walking to get there is involved. The structure itself is designed by New York architect Richard Gluckman who attempted to recreate the style and feel of her Abiquiu house with its sandy desert hues
Visitors should begin by viewing a short film narrated by Gene Hackman that provides an overview of her life and art and includes footage of O'Keeffe herself. The layout consists of five permanent galleries and two galleries of rotating exhibits. The museum boasts possessing the world's largest collection of O'Keeffe artworks and materials and it is disconcerting that so little of this wealth seems to be on display.
The intention is not to overcrowd or overwhelm and compete, however, nearly every work and photograph displayed is quite small and neatly lined in rows leaving vast amounts of blank wall space. Perhaps that is an intentional desired effect but visitors deserve more bang for their buck by seeing more. O'Keeffe is known for her animal skull paintings yet just a single ram's head is displayed.
The first two galleries feature early and pre-New Mexico pastels and oils during her New York period when married to famed photographer Alfred Stieglitz. The Wisconsin born artist is particularly noted for her abstract flower paintings and quite a few of those are hanging including some of the more recognizable calla lillies studies. The third gallery is devoted to portrait and posed candid photographs of O'Keeffe. Ansel Adams photographed her. Naturally there are many Stieglitz shots including the most interesting being her at "291," his New York gallery where he launched her career. O'Keeffe is seen from middle-age to old age and at Ghost Ranch.
More oils in gallery four with abstract shells and pears and apples from her realistic period and larger size works dominate the fifth gallery. In the next room is a glass case containing her personal art materials such as chalks and brushes. Another glass case holds a small pencil sketchbook. O'Keeffe loved the view of Pedernal Mountain from Ghost Ranch and repeatedly painted the scene. Several of those hang. The special exhibit focused on O'Keeffe's passion for capturing natural landscapes in her unique style. She enjoyed getting out and camping where she would sketch and photograph terrain for future painting. Her camping gear and clothes are displayed.
The museum will please O'Keeffe admirers since it is a large concentration of her works. For the casual visitor, this is an excellent introduction to O'Keeffe and her contributions to American art. The more adventurous can tour her
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