Street of New York II 1926

"Street of New York II" is an oil on canvas painting by Georgia O’Keeffe, who lived from 1887 to 1986. In this piece, O'Keeffe presents a striking view up a narrow New York street, a perspective that captures both the grandeur and the claustrophobia of urban life. O'Keeffe, a woman navigating the male-dominated art world, often explored themes of identity and perspective in her work. Her move to New York with her husband, Alfred Stieglitz, placed her in the heart of American modernism, a scene characterized by rapid industrialization and social change. The towering buildings can be seen as phallic symbols, reflecting the masculine energy of the city, yet O’Keeffe reframes this narrative through her unique gaze. In her words, "I long to accomplish a painting that will make even the most indifferent feel that they have walked in it—that they know its roads." The emotional intensity of feeling dwarfed by the city is palpable here. Ultimately, "Street of New York II" uses its portrayal of urban architecture to explore a sense of personal experience, and O'Keeffe captures an intimate response to an environment that was rapidly redefining American identity.