From Avant-Garde Beginnings to Global Icon
LONDON – Yoko Ono, the Japanese-American artist known for her association with John Lennon, is being celebrated in a comprehensive exhibition at the Tate Modern gallery in London. The showcase spans seven decades of Ono’s artistic journey, displaying over 200 artworks that include film, music, paintings, sculptures, and more.
A Journey Through Time and Space
The exhibition delves into Ono’s early days in 1950s and 1960s New York, her impact on the art scene in Japan, and her pivotal connection with the Swinging Sixties counterculture in London. Curator Juliet Bingham highlights how Ono was a trailblazer in conceptual art, paving the way for interactive and participatory art long before it became popular.
Interactive Art and Messages of Peace
Visitors to the exhibition can engage with Ono’s art in unique ways, from stomping on installations to playing chess with white pieces symbolizing peace. Ono’s “instructions” pieces challenge viewers to contemplate enigmatic prompts, while her playful humor shines through in works like “Film No. 4 (Bottoms).” The exhibition also delves into Ono’s peace activism alongside Lennon, showcasing their iconic “War is Over” billboard and other peace initiatives.
A Legacy of Creativity and Hope
Despite facing criticism and controversy, Ono’s creative spirit has remained undaunted. The exhibition at Tate Modern honors her legacy, demonstrating Ono’s enduring commitment to art as a tool for promoting peace and unity. As visitors engage with pieces like “Wish Trees” and “Add Color (Refugee Boat),” they are invited to reflect on Ono’s message of love and hope.
“Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind” opens Thursday at Tate Modern in London and runs through September 1.