American Icons: Georgia O’Keeffe’s skull paintings

Georgia O'Keeffe and one of her skull paintings in 1931.

“The men were all talking about the great American novel, the great American play … the great American everything,” Georgia O’Keeffe said. “So I thought … I’ll make it an American painting.”

In the 1930s, O’Keeffe fled the East Coast art world for New Mexico. There, she painted cow and deer skulls floating over delicate abstract landscapes of the New Mexico desert. An art historian, a tour guide and an interior designer explain the appeal of the skulls. And a retiree tells how their magnetism drew her to settle in the Southwest.

(Originally aired November 12, 2010)

Do you support journalism that strengthens our democracy?

At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.

Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!