No. 16 Special 1918

Georgia O'Keeffe created this charcoal on paper artwork, named No. 16 Special. Here, the interplay of light and shadow guides us through soft, rounded forms that evoke the sensuality of a flower's bloom. These forms are not merely botanical studies; they speak to a deeper, more primal understanding of nature's cycles. This recalls the ancient motif of the "hieros gamos" or sacred marriage, symbolizing fertility and the union of opposites. Think of the Minoan Snake Goddess, whose power resides in her connection to the earth's generative forces, as seen in the Knossos frescoes. Over time, this motif has been passed down through history, and O'Keeffe invites us to rediscover this symbol, triggering a resonance within us, a connection to the earth's life-giving energy. It is an image of deep, subconscious power. This composition, with its intense and evocative imagery, engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Observe how these symbols cyclically progress, resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings throughout different historical contexts.