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CINCINNATI — November 29, 2022 — Most people know renowned artist Georgia O’Keeffe as a painter. What they probably don’t know? O’Keeffe was also a passionate photographer. Soon, visitors can see a selection of her photographs at the exhibition Georgia O’Keeffe, Photographer, coming to the Cincinnati Art Museum February 3–May 7, 2023.

In the first major investigation of O’Keeffe’s 30-year engagement with photography, Cincinnati Art Museum visitors can gain a rare, new understanding of the artist. More than 100 photographs and a complementary selection of paintings, drawings and objects from O’Keeffe’s life tell the story of her eloquent use of the camera to pursue her singular artistic vision.

“For me, an exciting facet of this project is how it shifts the paradigm for multiple audiences,” states Cincinnati Art Museum Curator of Photography Nathaniel M. Stein, PhD. “Photography buffs are learning her relationship with photography was larger and more complicated than we knew. I think those audiences will be surprised by the sophistication and rigor of O’Keeffe’s own exploration of photographic seeing, even as they have to let go of an assumption that she would be making photographs in service of her painting practice. On the other hand, audiences arriving out of admiration for O’Keeffe as a painter are coming to know the artist’s vision in an entirely new way, seeing her digest the world more clearly and gaining an understanding of elemental tenets of photographic composition and form through her eyes.”

Georgia O’Keeffe, Photographer is organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, with the collaboration of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Santa Fe. Its organizing sponsor is the Harold C. Schott Foundation. The exhibition is generously supported by the Helen E. Allen Charitable Foundation. The exhibition will be on view in the Thomas R. Schiff Galleries (234 and 235).

Tickets are $12, with discounted rates for students, children and seniors and can be purchased onsite and online. Admission is free for members. The exhibition will be free for nonmembers every Thursday evening from 5–8 p.m. Photography is permitted, but no flash. On social media, use the hashtag #OKeeffePhotography.

Museum members are invited to view the exhibition from 5–7 p.m., Thursday, February 2. The event is free, but reservations are required and can be made here.

Exhibition overview:

Georgia O’Keeffe is the widely admired “Mother of American Modernism” who has long been examined by scholars for her paintings of flowers, skulls, and desert landscapes. Despite being one of the most significant artists of the 20th century, no previous exhibition has explored her work as a photographer ... until now.

The exhibition is accompanied by a richly illustrated catalogue containing new scholarship by Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Curator of Photography Lisa Volpe and a contribution from Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Curator of Fine Arts Ariel Plotek. The catalogue will significantly broaden readers’ understanding of one of the most innovative artists of the 20th century. It will be available soon for purchase from the museum shop in person and online.

Upcoming, related events:

Through Another Lens: Georgia O’Keeffe’s Photography: 7–8 p.m., Thursday, February 2, Fath Auditorium (Cincinnati Art Museum). Originating curator Lisa Volpe will deliver a lecture about O’Keeffe’s relationship to and personal use of photography, the research that brought this history to light and the discoveries still waiting to be made. Reservations are required and are available via the exhibition webpage. The lecture is free for members. General public, $20; Students, pay what you wish.

Art After Dark: 5–9 p.m., Friday, February 24: This month’s event will celebrate the exhibition and feature live entertainment, food and drink for purchase. Art After Dark is free to attend. All ages are welcome. Reservations are not required.

About the Cincinnati Art Museum

The Cincinnati Art Museum is supported by the generosity of individuals and businesses that give annually to ArtsWave. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Cincinnati Art Museum with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Cincinnati Art Museum gratefully acknowledges operating support from the City of Cincinnati, as well as our members.

Free general admission to the Cincinnati Art Museum is made possible by a gift from the Rosenthal Family Foundation. Special exhibition pricing may vary. Parking is free. cincinnatiartmusem.org

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