Monocle on Culture Yoko Ono’s endless imagination
Feb 19, 2024
Arts journalist Andrew Male delves into Yoko Ono's vast contributions to art, emphasizing the interactive aspects of her new Tate Modern exhibition. Writer Jennifer Lucy Allan reflects on Ono’s powerful legacy and resilience, while curator Juliet Bingham shares insights on the exhibition's innovative concept. They discuss key works like 'Cut Piece,' exploring themes of vulnerability and agency. The conversation highlights Ono's optimistic philosophy and her ability to provoke deep connections between historical trauma and modern artistic expression.
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Imagination As The Core Medium
- Yoko Ono's work spans seven decades and uses imagination as a primary medium.
- Her art invites audience participation and opens up possibilities rather than presenting fixed meanings.
Small Objects, Big Emotional Impact
- The exhibition mixes text, film, and participatory elements like hammering nails or climbing into a bag.
- These small, interactive artefacts create an emotional arc larger than their physical scale.
Cut Piece Provokes Personal Reaction
- Jennifer Lucy Allan found Cut Piece too distressing to watch and had to walk away.
- She described a man snipping near Ono's cleavage while Ono remained motionless, creating a traumatic tension.