Image and Imagination: Georgia O'keeffe by John Loengard - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0811861325 ISBN 13: 9780811861328

Publisher: Chronicle Books, 2007

Synopsis

On the occasion of Georgia O'Keeffe's 80th birthday in 1966, Life magazine dispatched photographer John Loengard to her home in New Mexico to document a day in the life of the pioneering American artist. Loengard's elegant black and white images capture the grand, solitary woman in the desert, and candid shots record her daily routine at Ghost Ranch. Juxtaposed here with selected O'Keeffe paintings, these photographs reveal how the austere poetry of the landscape corresponded to the artist's own painterly world. This unique marriage of paintings and photographs, presented in a stunning collectible volume, also includes a touching introduction by Loengard describing his first encounter with O'Keeffe and contemplative writings by the artist herself on her work and inspirations.

About this title

About the Author

John Loengard received his first assignment for Life in 1956 and joined the magazine's staff in 1961.

From Publishers Weekly

This elegant illustrated book is an illuminating look at the life and work of celebrated American painter O'Keeffe. Visiting her in 1966 and '67 for a Life magazine feature, photojournalist Loengard photographed O'Keeffe at her two properties in the New Mexico desert doing everything except painting-a "photographic cliché" that O'Keeffe wanted to avoid. It turns out that these moments, which catch her sorting through boxes of bones and snake rattles or walking in the desert with her dogs in tow, tell us plenty about O'Keeffe and her work. The book pairs Loengard's photos with selected O'Keeffe paintings, either because the painting appears in the photo or because the photo's composition mirrors the painting's. In either case, the side-by-side presentation affords a rich viewing experience that elevates appreciation of both. One caveat: the only text is contained in a few pages of introductory material, short bios of each artist and some quotes from O'Keeffe scattered throughout. Despite a lack of analysis, those looking to learn more about O'Keeffe should relish the opportunity to step inside her world, and the sheer beauty of the book makes it a happy find for anyone looking to add an attractive volume to their collection.
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Edition details

• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0811861325
• ISBN 13: 9780811861328
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 80