Georgia O'Keeffe 1920

Curator: Before us we have a portrait from 1920, simply called "Georgia O'Keeffe," a work of photography by Alfred Stieglitz. Editor: Stark! The first thing that strikes me is the starkness of the contrast, almost brutal in its simplicity. A pale figure emerges from this sea of dark clothing and a very subdued background. Curator: The high contrast is central to Stieglitz’s modernist aesthetics. Notice the focus on form—the almost sculptural quality of the clothing. Stieglitz used pictorialist techniques here, manipulating light to create a sense of depth while retaining a powerful flatness. Editor: But isn’t the "sculptural quality" also because she is wearing very little jewelry, minimal make up, and that plain hair style? O’Keeffe projected a very strong image for a woman during those times, right? She had her own style that was all about her personality rather than convention. It all aligns with her pursuit of an artistic and personal independence, wouldn’t you agree? Curator: Absolutely, Stieglitz photographed O'Keeffe extensively and strategically, it’s as if to mold public perception. But the formal choices can be seen to embody themes prevalent in her work and in modernist ideology. Her figure seems to confront you. The interplay of shadow and light and subtle gradations give it tremendous presence. Editor: It feels almost defiant, certainly confrontational. Her gaze is direct, unwavering. I imagine the public's perception would have been further cemented upon her fame, yes? Her presence in those New York galleries next to his works must have helped in promoting both. Curator: Precisely. This work and its presentation are evidence of Stieglitz's and O'Keeffe's understanding of constructing and reinforcing meaning through the image and its wider presentation in a social and commercial context. Editor: To me this photograph is both striking in its simplicity, and rich when you place it within their respective legacies. The story they curated through their personal relationship and these images becomes rather more intriguing and nuanced. Curator: I would agree; the enduring fascination stems, in part, from that carefully constructed and layered dialogue.