Home #Hwoodtimes Yoko Ono: A Visionary at the Tate Modern

Yoko Ono: A Visionary at the Tate Modern

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Yoko Ono with Half-A-Room 1967 from HALF-A-WIND SHOW, Lisson Gallery, London, 1967. Photo © Clay Perry.

By Tequila Mockingbird

Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 12/26/24 – The highly anticipated Yoko Ono exhibition at the Tate Modern in London, titled YOKO ONO: MUSIC OF THE MIND, ran from February 15th to September 1st, 2024. This was the largest retrospective of Ono’s work ever held in the UK, offering an extensive look at her multifaceted career as both an artist and cultural icon.

Photo: Lee Sharrock

For many, Ono’s legacy has long been overshadowed by her marriage to John Lennon, with her often unfairly villainized in popular culture. Yet this exhibition firmly established her as a celebrated, influential artist in her own right—one whose work predates her famous relationship. Ono was already a well-known avant-garde figure long before meeting Lennon, and MUSIC OF THE MIND showcased her groundbreaking contributions to art, music, and activism.

Among the many pieces on display were iconic works like The Ladder with the Black Hole at the Bottom and YES, a simple yet profound installation that once captivated John Lennon himself. The juxtaposition of the ladder, with its upward invitation, and the black hole below served as a metaphor for the artist’s continuous quest for self-reflection and transcendence.

The exhibition also featured photographs, paintings, and videos—many of which highlighted Ono’s powerful collaboration with Lennon. Together, they were an unstoppable creative force, embodying a dynamic partnership of love, art, and shared vision. One poignant piece included a window with a bullet hole through it, symbolizing the tragic loss of Lennon, while another image captured his iconic glasses, with a bullet hole through the lens—a heartbreaking reminder of that fateful day in 1980.

Yoko Ono, Add Colour (Refugee Boat), concept 1960, installed in YOKO ONO: MUSIC OF THE MIND, Tate Modern, London, 2024. photo © Tate (Lucy Green)

Despite the pain of losing her husband, Ono’s resilience shone through. She not only persevered but continued to honor Lennon’s memory and their shared ideals. Her ongoing commitment to peace, through her work and her philanthropic efforts, remains a testament to her strength and vision.

Ono’s artistic genius, combined with her unwavering dedication to social change, makes her an enduring figure of cultural significance. This exhibition was a celebration of her legacy—not just as the wife of a Beatle, but as a trailblazing artist, activist, and visionary in her own right. For me, MUSIC OF THE MIND was the most compelling art show of the year—a tribute to one of the most remarkable women of our time.

In the end, Ono’s work continues to inspire, encourage reflection, and remind us of the power of art in shaping the world.