June 13, 2008 Georgia O’Keeffe and the Camera Play video

(Marnie MacLean, NECN: Portland, Maine) - When curator Susan Danly came across three photographs Of Georgia O’Keeffe at the Portland museum of art, it sparked An idea.

Susan started to research the important relationship between Georgia O’Keeffe’s own work and the photographs taken of her and her art, a subject discussed among scholars, but never brought together in an exhibition.

"I began to see they had a unique perspective on the way her art was made and also the way she presented herself to the public."

The new exhibit, Georgia O’Keeffe and the camera: the art of identity Features sixty photographs of O’Keeffe as well as 18 of her works That follow her through the development of her career.

"As her style changes she becomes the Georgia O'Keeffe we all know and recognize famous for her flower pictures."

Those images are paired with photos of the artist...early Ones taken by her husband....photographer Alfred Stieglitz. Critics began to associate the sensual quality of the photos With the sensual quality of her work. O’Keeffe wasn't happy About that...and eventually left the New York art scene for New Mexico. But she continued to use photography to shape her Public image...in a way she wanted.

"Over the course of her career she established relationships with famous photographers, like Ansel Adams...he took this photo of her...with a rare smile."

Musuem visitors will also see a large print of O’Keefe By Andy

Wells elementary school students have been studying O'keefe in art class.

Sam Hazlett "It's cool to see the actual thing here...instead of just seeing a photo of the actual thing..so it's pretty cool."

PRETTY COOL, INDEED. IN PORTLAND, MAINE MARNIE MACLEAN NECN.