Critical Analysis 1

Angela Vickers
Critical Analysis 1
September 22, 2007

“Black Place II” painted by Georgia O’Keefe immediately caught my attention. The oil painting appears dark and mysterious. The colors and shapes demand the consideration of the viewer. This intriguing painting is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It may also be viewed through the museum’s website: http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/geok/hod_59.294.1.htm . “Black Place II” was completed in 1944 in a period during which O’Keefe had a large turnout of works. This particular canvas is 23 7/8 by 30 inches. Georgia O’Keefe was an American modern painter. She lived one-hundred fifty miles northwest of the Bisti Badlands in Navajo country in Ghost Ranch. She enjoyed Ghost Ranch. She enjoyed many visits to the Badlands with her assistant Mary Chabot. This work at first glance brings a question to mind: Is the artist overwhelmed by sadness symbolized by the darkness of colors or is this the place that she has created in her mind for inspiration?
The colors which were chosen for the “Black Place II” can be considered polychromatic, but with a gradual change. The white actually fades into a gray, then to a deep black with pink tufts inside. The blacks and whites complement each other while the pinks and a single yellow “path” through the middle create a contrast to both. The colors offer a certain ambience of mystery.; the bright hues portray excitement and the dark exhibit strong, deep feelings.
The focal point of this work is demanding path or line separating the strong billows of black and white. The line guides the viewer to the center as it connects to bright white strokes then flowing in and out with an airy lightness. As the eye is following these strokes they connect with the deep black. The eyes end their journey in soft pink upward and leaning strokes. This redefines the space of the painting, giving permission for the eyes to leave the page only to be pulled back in with the white “clouds” and the yellow “road”.
The rhythm is established through both symmetry and color. The repeating elements of both stroke and color paired with the dividing line join to immerse a rich dynamic. The sheer intensity expects to be viewed and cries for attention. The colors are direct opposites coupled with small infections of pink and yellow. The whites stream through as in a musical dance until they begin to fade into darker shades and shapes. The edges become sharper as they move down the canvas until the finally turn black. The areas where these collide are jagged and abrupt creating a struggle. At last, at the bottom, salvation awaits as the soft pinks return serenity.
The overall composition is arranged so that the eyes seem to be pulled deep into the center, creating a balanced and symmetrical work. The unity and high contrast caused by the layering of colors offer an unexpected combination. “Black Place II” is a large scale work containing completely open space, although it invites the viewer to visit again.
These elements signify a strong excitement and interest by the artist. The center line provides the focal point to break apart the monotony of the profound colors. The conflicting style of O’Keefe implies confidence and unique perception. She created this work in order to share her favorite place for inspiration. The area of these Navajo Badlands is where she created most of her works. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, “Between 1944 and 45 alone, she completed six canvases, including Black Place II, one very large pastel, and at least nine pencil sketches.” The desolate and barren hills are portrayed through the black and white hues while the pinks portray the clouds, possibly through an aerial perspective. Georgia O’Keefe commemorated her journeys of inspiration through her artistry; she demonstrated stillness with intensity. O’Keefe’s work elaborates an exceptional mind capable of emotional interpretation. She allows the viewer to experience the irony of beauty by allowing darks, lights, movement and tranquility to coexist. The first reaction of sadness was brought on by the dark colors chosen but without appeal to other elements. The second observation brought me closer to the true meaning: a glimpse of true inspiration through the artist’s mind. I know that I will be viewing other works by this artist! Other works from this period such as “The Fate of Animals” by Franz Marc (1913) and Henri Matisse’s later “scissor art” portray the emotions with bright, asymmetrical elements.
The purpose and meaning of this painting are communicated through an emotional reaction; the calmness inside the chaos. The work evokes strong feelings, whether love, hate, or harmony, in the viewer, thus duplicating O’Keefe’s spiritual thoughts about this sacred land. Upon viewing this art work several times and studying the elements and composure, I was abler to see my initial reaction as wrong, teaching me to look beyond the obvious and to explore new worlds.