There is something about New York City, an energy, a pace, a style that is uniquely its own. It has become one of the great cultural centers of the world. New York is a force to be reckoned with in the art world, and many artists have been inspired by New York City.
The Library takes advantage of its closeness to New York City and hosts trips highlighting the many attractions found in the City. The Library also hosts bi-weekly LIRR trips to the City where patrons can set their own itinerary to enjoy the art and adventure of the city.
There are three artistic couples who found inspiration for their work during the time they spent in New York City.
Find out what's happening in Port Jeffersonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Georgia O'Keeffe and Alfred Stieglitz
Georgia O’Keeffe might be best known for her incredible paintings of flowers. Being inspired by where she was living was a trend for O’Keeffe. When she lived in New York her works were inspired by her surroundings. Skyscrapers soar against the night sky in many of her New York City paintings. The works have a clean and almost graphic aesthetic. For more about O’Keeffe and her art check out:
Find out what's happening in Port Jeffersonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Full Bloom: The Art and Life of Georgia O’Keeffe by Hunter Drohojowska-Philp.http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b3582335~S50
O’Keeffe’s husband Alfred Stieglitz was a noted photographer who worked in New York. One of his most iconic works Steerage was a view into the lower class accommodations on the ship that brought immigrants to New York Harbor. The image documents an event, but the way it is framed with the pipes and the gangplank makes it look artistic as well. Stieglitz met O’Keeffe in New York through her submissions to his gallery and their artistic attraction led to a romantic one. For more information about the man with the camera check out: Alfred Stieglitz: The Biography http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b2176840~S50
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera
If there was a prize for the most tempestuous artistic couple, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera would be the winners. Both had established artistic careers in their native Mexico, but when the Rockefeller’s wanted Rivera to paint a mural, it was an offer that could not be refused. The artists both relocated to New York City so Rivera could work on his mural commission.
The City inspired one of Kahlo’s own highly personal paintings, but is not a happy image. In My Dress Hangs There her native Mexican dress hangs in a crowded city where a trashcan full of goods stands, and a fire burns.
New York was not happy for Rivera either. He was commissioned to paint 3 massive murals glorifying industry and scientific advancements. However,one of the massive murals he painted contained a portrait of Lenin. A Communists representation was not acceptable in such an American project. The murals were eventually destroyed.
For more about Kahlo and Rivera please check out:
Frida Kahlo: Portraits of an Icon by Margaret Hooks http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b3339416~S50
Dreaming with His Eyes Open : A Life of Diego Rivera by Patrick Marnhan http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b2527843~S50
Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner
While Jackson Pollock’s studio can be visited in East Hampton, he got his start as an artist working in New York City. Pollock worked in New York during the 1930s and 40s and began to develop his unique abstract style that would later be called “Action Painting”. In 1945 he married fellow artist Lee Krasner and the two left the city behind for Long Island.
While Krasner was known as Mrs. Jackson Pollock she was an artist in her own right. She worked on her own paintings and studied art in New York City Her own creativity was at times was stifled by her marriage. Pollock was an alcoholic and much of Krasner’s time and effort was focused on keeping him sober and productive. She also created abstract paintings, but unlike her husband’s famous drip paintings her works have more shape and definition. Some have an almost floral look to them.
For more Pollock Krasner:
Jackson Pollock : an American saga by Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b1574817~S50
Jackson Pollock : energy made visible by B.H. Friedman http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b1244087~S50
Lee Krasner: A Biography by Gail Levin http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b4573529~S50
Lee Krasner by Robert Hobbs http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b2697915~S50
New York has been a source of artistic inspiration. As one of the great artistic centers of the world, its influence is clearly felt! No matter where these artists ended up, New Art City was part of their story.
Should you need help finding any of the resources mentioned in this article stop by the Reference Desk! For more information on the various library trips- check our newsletters for all the information!
