Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) was one of the preeminent artists of the 20th century. Her style was unique, and instantly recognizable. Many people know her as a painter of flowers, but her art is more expansive, and she was constantly inspired by the world around her.
Much of the inspiration came from the landscapes of New Mexico, a place she returned to often, and that eventually became her home.
Georgia O'Keeffe by Alfred Stieglitz
In 1997, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum opened in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Its goal is to not only showcase O’Keeffe’s work, but to explore and preserve the places she was inspired by. In addition to its galleries, the museum maintains O’Keeffe’s archives, open to the public by appointment. It also runs the Georgia O’Keeffe House in Abiquiu, New Mexico and the nearby Ghost Ranch Retreat and Education Center, where Georgia spent most summers during the second half of her life.
The current exhibit is Georgia O’Keeffe: Making a Life (through Nov. 2, 2025). It explores O’Keeffe’s artistic identity as a “maker.” We know her as a creator of paintings and drawings, but the museum uses her artwork and artifacts from her life to illustrate the ways she created her professional and personal images. From her iconic black wrap-around dress to her “pancakes for one person” recipe there is an exploration into her personal life. Her art, presented chronologically, offers a framework for how she drew on her surroundings and experiences in building her image and creating her art.
Untitled (teapot and flowers)
Black Hollyhock Blue Larkspur
No. 22 - Special
The Barnes, Lake George
One aspect of the exhibit that impressed me was just how varied O’Keeffe’s work was throughout her life. I knew her mostly by her flower paintings, but her pieces inspired by her time in New Mexico were a revelation to me. They are beautiful, and her styled abstraction captures the spirit and the beauty of this part of the world.
Black Mesa Landscape, New Mexico
Pedernal
Untitled (Mt. Fuji)
Black Rock with White Background
The nine galleries of the museum will take between one and two hours to enjoy, and it is worth that time to have this chance to explore the work of this iconic artist.
Nuts and Bolts:
- The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is located at 217 Johnson St. Santa Fe, New Mexico. It is open daily, from 10 AM - 5 PM.
- Admission tickets are $22 and advance purchase it recommended, but not necessary.
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