Yoko Ono is a woman whose reputation precedes her in any realm and generally it is rare to have her referred to without the mention of The Beatles, the break down of The Beatles or John Lennon. So when hearing of the exhibition at Sydney's MCA, initial thoughts were was this going to be yet another John and Yoko retrospective.
Back in November, I attended the artist talk with Yoko Ono at the Sydney Opera House, which was quite eye opening. Not many people would know that Ono is classically trained musician who was at the forefront of the new wave art movement of bohemian New York in the early 60's. She had long been a part of the new world order of discerning artists long before John Lennon was on the scene.
And yes, when you initially enter the exhibition there is a John and Yoko room, but from there it is all purely Ono and the resounding impression from her work. This woman, now in her 80 is a living great, who has a mind that has the ability to make positive change in this world through her words, through her voice and through her actions
The exhibition features some of her most known works, like Cut Piece (above) as well as lessor known works. What was also most intriguing was the amount of interactive pieces within the exhibition. A virtual big kids play gym. The Words to Mother piece was incredibly moving, not only to be apart of, but also to read the words of others. And I think that is something Ono has captured perfectly. In a space like the MCA, situated in a bustling tourist trap like Circular Quay, through viewing the words and works of all the people who had come and gone, some how each and every ones inner child had been given a voice and was captured forever. Truly remarkable.