Blue Morning Glory 

Georgia O'Keeffe painted "Blue Morning Glory", a close-up of a flower in a glass vase, sometime in the first half of the 20th century. O'Keeffe was a central figure in American Modernism, a period that celebrated industrialization and urbanization. Yet, she often turned to natural forms, such as flowers, for inspiration. These were sometimes interpreted through the lens of her gender, with some critics suggesting the paintings represented female sexuality. O'Keeffe vehemently denied this, stating, "Well I made you take time to look at what I saw and when you took time to really notice my flower you hung all your own associations with flowers on my flower and you write about my flower as if I think and see what you think and see of the flower - and I don't." The intense focus on the flower creates an intimate, almost visceral experience. It challenges traditional representations, offering an alternative narrative of nature, identity, and perception. Ultimately, "Blue Morning Glory" invites us to consider how our own personal experiences and societal expectations influence the way we perceive both art and the world around us.