Imagine if all the people lived in peace – well, at least that’s what Yoko Ono fought for throughout her career. Tate Modern is celebrating Yoko Ono’s music and activism heritage with its latest exhibition, YOKO ONO: MUSIC OF THE MIND.
The exhibition is dedicated to the hippies and misfits of all ages. The artist-activist’s influential work will be displayed until early September. From poetry to humoristic and profound art, some of the most ground-breaking and experimental avant-garde pieces will be on display for those who admire Yoko Ono. Some of her works of art are simply famous short phrases, such as Listen to a heartbeat or Step in all the puddles in the city, typed up and printed on a piece of paper.
Aos - directed by Yoji Kuri, accompanied with soundtrack by Yoko Ono - Courtesy of Lorena Cristea
The beauty behind Yoko Ono’s madness - which some might call artistic allure - is that she can spark lively debates. Assistant cameraman Bianca Popescu, 25, believes that, although Yoko Ono was far from a good artist, she did possess the power to stir controversy in everything she did.
Popescu said that one of her favourite pieces from the exhibition was Bed-ins for peace, which showed a video of Yoko and John Lennon in bed, surrounded by paparazzi. "Ono and Lennon were aware of the impact they had, and how the press was always stalking them. I truly think this was one of the most innovative PR stunts, especially when you think about the times that they lived in. It’s just brilliant,’ said Popescu.
Unless you live under a rock, it was on March 25th, 1969, when Ono, alongside her then-husband, musician John Lennon, invited the international press to see them in bed in their honeymoon suite at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel as they attempted to use this event in a bid raise awareness for world peace.
Bed-ins for peace, along with other instalments - Courtesy of Lorena Cristea
At the time, Lennon said: “We knew whatever we did was going to be in the papers. We decided to utilise the space we would occupy anyway, by getting married, with a commercial for peace.”
A new installation at the museum was My Mommy is Beautiful, which was first showcased in 2004. It features a 15-meter-long wall surrounded by canvases that visitors can fill with photographs or post-notes to express their love for their mothers.
The installation is accompanied by a poem written by Yoko herself:
Mommy, I’m sorry.
How did I know you were suffering silently?
Your touch, your warm voice and your smile
Will always be with me.
This is a tribute to you and all mothers of the world from each of your children.
We love you!
y.o. 2010
Marketing manager Rasheda Yeasmin, 23 said that the exhibit made her emotional and that it was a good display of cherishing her loved ones.
“I definitely shed a tear or two by the time I reached this part of the exhibition. I feel very close to my mum and seeing all these messages, especially of those who unfortunately lost their mothers, made me appreciate the fact that I have my mum still around more,” she said.
The exhibition will be featured until the 1st of September and a ticket is £22. However, if you’re a Tate Member, you get unlimited free entry to all exhibitions.
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