By Kayla Powers
Western Herald
(Sarah Randall / Western Herald) An art enthusiast enjoys the unveiling of the KIA’s newest exhibit, which features works by Georgia O’Keeffe and other American modernist artists.
The art of Georgia O’Keeffe, in all of its serene, natural beauty, is spotlighted in the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts current exhibit, “Georgia O’Keeffe and Her Times.”
O’Keeffe’s art offers an escape, an opportunity to transcend the present. The gentle colors and harmonious compositions of her home in Santa Fe offer a patient, tranquil state of mind.
American Modernism is the theme of the exhibit, as O’Keeffe was a leading individual within the movement. On display is the work of several other Modern artists, including Charles Sheeler, Arthur Dove and Marsden Hartley.
The artists included in the exhibit contributed to defining the new essence and boundaries of art in the early 20th century.
The exhibit borders on minimalism at times, especially O’Keeffe’s works, and has definite signs of experimentation and abstraction. The American Modernists strived to creatively paint the natural world; there are variations in light and color that were ground breaking in their time.
The exhibit is on loan from the private collection of William H. Lane, an influential collector of 20th century American art and photography. Lane, who died in 1995, was passionate about the styles and innovations of Modern artists.
Along with her own interpretation of the desert landscape that she was so fond of, O’Keeffe’s life was captured in a collection of photographs in the companion exhibit, “Through the Photographers Lens: O’Keeffe and Her Circle.”
“She started out young, insecure and vulnerable, and by the end she was more independent,” said Farrell Howe, the KIA Marketing Director.
This progression is evident in the earlier photographs of a young, shy girl to later a proud, confident woman.
The photographs by O’Keefe’s husband Alfred Stieglitz show the different sides of O’Keeffe in candid shots from everyday life, Howe said.
To accompany the art and photography exhibits, the KIA will present two informative films: “Notable New Mexican” and “Georgia O’Keeffe and the Camera: The Art of Identity.” The films delve into the spirit of the artist and her relationship with the desert.
Georgia O’Keeffe lived a long and fruitful life as a student, teacher and lover of art. She died in 1986 at the age of 98.
Her work will be on display until Sept. 13.
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is located at 314 Park St. in downtown Kalamazoo. Tickets for “Georgia O’Keeffe and Her Times” and “Through the Photographers Lens: O’Keeffe and Ger Circle” can be purchased at the KIA.
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