I was excited to see the Georgia O'Keefe Museum while in Santa Fe, especially since that area was so close to her heart. However, I have to say I was somewhat disappointed. The museum only displayed a very small selection of her work...
And while most of them were beautiful, it seemed like they had scraped the bottom of the barrel for what they displayed.
I can only surmise that most of her good pieces were in the hands of larger more high profile museums (translation: deeper pockets).
Still, I enjoyed the video that ran in the small theater room there detailing how her work came to be. Initially, her work was more free-flowing and abstract. When the critics attached sexual meanings and subtexts, she decided to stick to real objects, such as fruit and flowers.
Despite her change in subject, the critics continued to add meanings that were not the original intention of Ms. O'Keefe. As they say, art is in the eye of the beholder. It can mean something completely different to every person that views it.
The most fascinating thing at the museum was being able to see a little watercolor pad that she "sketched" on...
as well as her paintbox. Always interesting to see the tools that an artist uses to create.
More Santa Fe images at my main website.
While the examples of Georgia's paintings might not be the most spectacular, they're still nice. I'd want to stop by if I was in the neighborhood. Love the photo of her paint box and watercolor pad!
ReplyDeleteOur reaction to this museum was much the same. The personal artifacts and stories somewhat make up for the lack of the best works.
ReplyDeleteStill a good time, though.
Thank you, Dave.
JG