Sky above Clouds IV

Georgia O'Keeffe

Created:
Movement:
1965
Modernism
key Notes:
Expansive horizon; Abstract cloudscape.
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Dimensions:
243.8 × 731.5 cm (96 × 288 in.)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Sky above Clouds IV" is a painting created by Georgia O'Keeffe in 1965. This work is part of a series that O'Keeffe developed in response to her experiences of flying and the expansive views of the sky. The painting features a vast, abstract representation of clouds and sky, characterized by O'Keeffe's signature use of color and form. The composition emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. O'Keeffe's interest in the natural world and her ability to convey emotional resonance through abstraction are evident in this piece. The painting reflects her lifelong fascination with the landscape of the American Southwest and her innovative approach to modernism. "Sky above Clouds IV" is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it continues to be studied and appreciated for its artistic significance.

Description of the work:

"Sky above Clouds IV" by Georgia O'Keeffe is an oil on canvas painting characterized by its expansive depiction of a cloud-filled sky. The composition features a vast area of soft, billowing clouds rendered in varying shades of white and cream, contrasted against a deep blue background that suggests the infinite nature of the sky. The clouds are stylized and simplified, emphasizing their forms and textures rather than realistic detail. The painting's color palette is dominated by cool tones, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The overall effect is one of abstraction, inviting the viewer to contemplate the beauty and vastness of the natural world. O'Keeffe's use of scale enhances the sense of openness, as the clouds appear to stretch endlessly across the canvas, embodying her fascination with the American landscape. The work exemplifies her signature style, merging elements of abstraction with representational forms.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Sky above Clouds IV