His sexual identity often influenced his paintings, drawings and films throughout the rest of his career. Remember, being gay was a crime in America in the 1950s, yet Warhol continued creating. In the early 1950s, however, Warhol submitted works to an art show at the Tanager Gallery in New York City, but was rejected because the subject matter – two men embracing – was too openly gay. Warhol was best known for his iconic pop art and his 1960s paintings of consumer products, such as Campbell’s soup cans and Coca-Cola. He was openly gay and considered by many a gay icon in the art world. 1987), on the other hand, was an easier artist to research. While O’Keeffe’s orientation might always remain mysterious, she continues to be an inspiration to people who feel they do not conform to strict gender roles.Īndy Warhol (b. This was the 1920s and ‘30s, after all, and the decision to dress “gender neutral” was revolutionary for the time. Her sharp, androgynous style – black tailored suits, collared shirts, and tennis shoes – suggest that she did not want to be seen through a gendered lens. What we do know about O’Keeffe is that her life, art, and even personal style have inspired many in the LGBTQ+ community. Perhaps we will never know and perhaps it doesn’t matter how she identified. In a time when people could be ostracized, arrested, or institutionalized for their sexual orientation, it is easy to imagine why O’Keeffe may have wanted to keep this a secret. In the same way, it is possible that, if O’Keeffe did identify as bisexual, it could have been written out of the historical record, as has happened many times throughout history. It is possible that this theory was first put forward by Alfred Stieglitz – the photographer and art dealer who later became O’Keeffe’s husband – and then further perpetuated by male art critics of the time. In reality, O’Keeffe resisted the sexual readings into her paintings and often said she was not painting the female form.
I was even taught this in my high school art class. For example, it is commonly believed that O’Keeffe’s flower paintings were actually close-ups of the female vulva. My dilemma did spark great conversation in my department, however, about the intricacies of sexuality and art history. I wanted badly and proudly to exclaim, “Here is an iconic artist and guess what? She’s bisexual!” but with so many conflicting viewpoints, I was uncomfortable making that claim. I asked my fellow co-workers, thinking someone would have a clear-cut answer, but nobody could agree. Others disagree and say that there is no evidence to prove this. 1986), an American painter known for her abstractions and large-scale paintings of flowers, many authors claim that she was bisexual. In many cases, there was only speculation that an artist identified as LGBTQ+. But, as I began my research into the lives of these artists, it proved to be much more challenging than I had imagined. “I will write about the amazing LGBTQ+ artists in our collection!” I exclaimed to myself, “It will be great!” I decided that I would choose three LGBTQ+ artists from the collection, do a little research, regurgitate that research onto this blog, tell you where to find their work in the gallery and BAM! Inspiration and rainbows for all. I felt that my LGBTQ+ resume was solid and that taking on such an article would be easy. I am white and cisgender, but I am a female who most closely identifies as pansexual, and I have many family members and friends who also identify within the LGBTQ+ acronym. So when I had the idea to write a blog celebrating Pride Month, I was enthusiastic about the prospect of reaching a wider audience. I can also attest to the passion amongst my fellow staff-members to make sure we are welcoming to ALL PEOPLE, regardless of race, sexuality, gender identity, etc. As someone who works in art museum education, I can tell you that it is a constant conversation amongst our staff about how we can be more inclusive to diverse audiences. Today, art museums still get a bad rap and are constantly battling this image of being an exclusive organization meant only for the rich, white clientele. Historically, art museums were created as elitist institutions for kings and royalty to display their expensive art, collection of riches, and spoils from war. I have worked in the museum field for 7 years now and have witnessed the challenges museums face in being inclusive. When I first decided to write a blog for Pride Month, I was very excited. In Gallery Chat with ASL Interpretation (On-site).South Asian Art, Islamic Art and Antiquities.European Paintings, Sculpture and Drawings.American Paintings, Sculpture and Drawings.ArtSource: The Beverly Petrie Memorial Teacher Resource Center.