Georgia O”Keeffe’s unorthodox artistic representation of flowers has fascinated viewers since she began painting them in 1917. Firstly, the exaggerated size and deliberate display of detail demands attention that is most likely denied the actual small,living flower. O’Keeffe once stated “Most people in the city rush around so, they have no time to look at a flower. I want them to see it, whether they want to or not.”
Secondly, O’Keeffe infused life into her work, not only with size and scale but with rich, striking colors. Two Calla Lilies on Pink is a softer example of her color play. The fluffy white petals highlighted by life giving green, billow atop a sea of vibrate pink. In harmony, the two bright yellow pistils stretch skywards.
Thirdly, due to the evocative anatomy of her floral works, many assumed that they were unapologetically sensual. Throughout her career, however, O’Keeffe maintained that her work is not necessarily representative of the female anatomy, nor should it be seen from such a limiting perspective.