Quantcast

Buhmann on Art: Yoko Ono at MoMA

Aug6_Yoko_Apple
Yoko Ono with “Apple” (1966) at the press preview for “Yoko Ono: One Woman Show, 1960-1971.” Photo by Ryan Muir © Yoko Ono.

BY STEPHANIE BUHMANN | YOKO ONO: ONE WOMAN SHOW, 1960–1971: This major survey of the early works of Yoko Ono brings together 125 objects, works on paper, installations, performances, audio recordings and films, alongside rarely seen archival materials.

The works were made in New York, Tokyo and London: three cities where Ono lived during the first decade of her long career. “Painting to Be Stepped On” (1960/1961) is a good example for this early body of work.

Installation view of “Yoko Ono: One Woman Show, 1960-1971.” Photo by Thomas Griesel © 2015 The Museum of Modern Art.
Installation view of “Yoko Ono: One Woman Show, 1960-1971.” Photo by Thomas Griesel © 2015 The Museum of Modern Art.

Many of these pieces are based on text — and especially on instructions for the viewer — reflecting Ono’s pioneering contribution to the international Conceptual art movement. In the instructions for the piece, Ono asks her audience to walk over a piece of canvas that is laid directly on the floor. This work questions the traditional concept of art as something precious, and as something that needs to be set apart from daily life. It also reflects Ono’s ongoing dedication to making art that can be experienced as an integral part of everyday activities and thought.

At times poetic, humorous, sinister, and idealistic, Ono’s early oeuvre continues to appear groundbreaking. In a world increasingly filled with noise, her intelligence and the simplicity of her message is as inspiring as ever.

Through Sept. 7 at the Museum of Modern Art (11 W. 53rd St. btw. Fifth & Sixth Aves.). Hours through Aug. are Sat.Wed. 10:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. & Thurs./Fri. 10:30 a.m.8 p.m. Hours as of Sept. are Thurs.Sat. 10:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. & Fri., 10:30 a.m.8 p.m. Admission: $25, $18 for 65+ $14 for students. Call 212-708-9400 or visit moma.org.

Yoko Ono’s “White Chess Set” (1966) in the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, presented in conjunction with the exhibit. Photo by Thomas Griesel © 2015 The Museum of Modern Art.
Yoko Ono’s “White Chess Set” (1966) in the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden. Photo by Thomas Griesel © 2015 The Museum of Modern Art.