O'Keeffe: The Life of an American Legend

by Jeffrey Hogrefe

An exploration of the relationship between O'Keeffe's life and art discusses the impetus behind her sexually charged flower paintings, her relationship with the much older Stieglitz, why she lied about her past, and other issues. Reprint.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Art, Womens, Art History

448 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 1, 1992

Reviews

[Susan Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not easy to write a book that opens the curtains on the life of an iconic figure. Of all the biographies of Georgia O'Keeffe, this one goes the farthest and deepest into her psychology and personal history. Hogrefe speculates that many of the issues that plagued O'Keeffe's adult's life--especially her exploitation of others (both women and men)--arose from experiences of childhood incest. He presents all of her relationships, and her art, in the context of these formative (and deforming) events.

There is of course no direct evidence of incest. While Hogrefe does not offer a full explanation of how and why he came to this conclusion, he seems to base his theory primarily on conversations in the late 1980s with Virginia Christianson, a woman with some psychological training (he calls her a "psychologist") who stayed with O'Keeffe briefly in 1973. But he doesn't tell us enough about her background and credentials to make me comfortable with her claims. I'd like more evidence before I buy into his theory. I would also like a more complete documentation--although I am admittedly a "notes junky." Other readers might find his documentation adequate.

Hogrefe's ideas are interesting and illuminating, and his presentation of O'Keeffe is engaging. I especially appreciate his sympathetic treatment of Juan Hamilton, the young man who dominated the last decade of the artist's life. There's much to be learned here, but venture cautiously. A single enveloping theory of a life may seem to explain a great deal--but it may explain more about the theory and its explanatory power than about the life.

[Sandy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This biography gives a shallow, one sided account of O'Keeffe's life and work through the lens of her supposed sexual feelings and love affairs. It gives little attention to O'Keefe's own writings or her artistic influences. A much better choice is Georgia O'Keeffe: A Life by Roxana Robinson, which is well researched and beautifully written.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book about the life of American icon and fabulous artist, Georgia O'Keeffe. Lots of interesting information about the artist and her life. I plan on reading some other biographies just to see what else I can find out.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this throughout my road trip through O'Keeffe country. I was well written and maintained my attention throughout. It certainly enhanced my experience of the area and my visit to the O'Keeffe museum in Santa Fe. It succeeded in portraying the woman who became an icon and her struggles with relationships as well as her art.

[Lily Greenwald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I’ve ever read 2 books at once. This is also the first time I was shocked by a biography. I didn’t realize who Georgia O’Keeffe really was as a person. It was fascinating because she was low key intolerable but everyone worshipped her. A fantastic book to read in bits and pieces during a slow month at work :)

[Jan Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently toured Georgia O’keefe’s home in Abiquiu - what a delightful tour! The book was well written, sober, and shared many details of the artist’s life that were not included on the tour. The book did portray Abiquiú and Ghost Ranch thoroughly as experienced. Here’s to an American icon whose artistic talent and style should live on…

[Mitch · Rating 2 out of 5]

The subject matter was great, but the author left a great deal to be desired. It was written almost as a gossip column, a lurid TMZ story. Plus the author showed, too blatantly, his misogyny, homophobia, and racism. His style really detracted from what should have been an incredible story.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I was sad to find out that many of O'Keefe's art looks very similar to female genitalia, esp. given that I'd had some of said art hanging in my room at previous times in my life. But, the book was interesting and I learned tons about a quirky artist whose art I still love (just not questionable ones).

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good biography. Although some of the sentences seemed a bit embellished considering the biographer never personally knew her.I would recommend it but I think there may be more accurate, non-biased biographies of her out there.

[Mckinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked that he set her and her work in a historical setting. The contemporary influences and events broaden this to be about more than O'Keefe even though she is definitely the focus. Enjoyed it very much, smooth, quick read, interesting the entire way through.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since Georgia is my hero, I loved this book!

[Lbaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this well written biography on one of my favourite artists.

The author's attempt to show the inspiration of Georgia O'Keeffe's art was well done.

[Cybele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I thought it was well written and full of "dish" I had never heard about her before. Eyeopening and makes me want read more about her life.