The Tate Modern in London is set to celebrate the influential work of artist and activist Yoko Ono with the country’s largest exhibition spanning seven decades of her multidisciplinary practice. From February 15th to September 1st, 2024, the Tate Modern will showcase over 200 works, including installations, films, music, and photography, providing insight into Ono’s radical approach to language, art, and engagement. The exhibition, titled “YOKO ONO: MUSIC OF THE MIND”, aims to delve into the artist’s role in experimental avant-garde circles in New York and Tokyo, specifically focusing on her ‘instruction pieces’ which encourage visitors to imagine, experience, or complete the artwork.
Ono’s art is known for its expression of ideas in poetic, humorous, and profound ways. The retrospective at Tate Modern uniquely invites visitors to draw on the walls, hammer in nails, and even climb into cloth bags akin to those shared with John Lennon. The exhibition strives to be as inclusive as it is instructive, reflecting Ono’s hopeful work over the course of seven decades. It encapsulates her artistic journey, starting with early sound pieces that allow visitors to hear her gentle, melodic voice answering the phone in the 1960s with the words, “Hello. This is Yoko.” The showcase also includes mesmerizing audiovisual experiences, such as her striking a match in a film that gradually flares and fades in mesmerizing slow motion, and a performance of sunset portrayed through the closing of her left eye, reminiscent of a sun.
Known for her experimental and thought-provoking creations, Yoko Ono’s art has long fascinated and engaged audiences. Her proactive approach to art and her visionary perspective on language and participation have made her a central figure in avant-garde circles. The retrospective at Tate Modern provides a comprehensive look at Yoko Ono’s artistic journey, offering an immersive experience that invites visitors to engage with her work on a deeply personal level. Through the display of her numerous works, the exhibition aims to elucidate the profound impact of Yoko Ono’s art and activism, ensuring her legacy resonates with audiences for years to come.
