Yoko Ono is a trailblazer of early conceptual and participatory art, film and performance, a celebrated musician, and a formidable campaigner for world peace. Developing her practice in the United States, Japan and the UK, ideas are central to her art, often expressed in poetic, humorous, profound and radical ways.
Spanning more than seven decades, YOKO ONO: MUSIC OF THE MIND is the UK’s largest exhibition celebrating key moments in Ono’s groundbreaking, influential and multidisciplinary career, from the mid-1950s to now – including her years in London where she met her future husband and longtime collaborator John Lennon.
The show traces the development of her practice and explores some of Ono’s most talked about and powerful artworks and performances. This includes Cut Piece (1964), where people were invited to cut off her clothing, to her banned Film No.4 (Bottoms) (1966-67) which she created as a ‘petition for peace’. Visitors are invited to take part in both simple acts of the imagination and active encounters with Ono’s works, such as Wish Trees for London, where visitors can contribute personal wishes for peace.
Audiences will discover over 200 works including instruction pieces, scores, installations, films, music and photography. The exhibition reveals a groundbreaking approach to language, art and participation that continues to speak to the present moment.
Supported by John J. Studzinski CBE
The exhibition is organised by Tate Modern, London in collaboration with Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Düsseldorf
Yoko Ono Half-A-Room 1967 from HALF-A-WIND SHOW, Lisson Gallery, London, 1967. Photograph © Clay Perry / Artwork © Yoko Ono
Yoko Ono FLY 1970-1 Directed by Yoko Ono & John Lennon, Film Still
Yoko Ono Cut Piece 1964, photographed 11 August 1964, printed 2024 Performed by Yoko Ono in Yoko Ono Farewell Concert: Strip Tease Show, Sogetsu Art Center, Courtesy the artist © Yoko Ono Photograph by Minoru Hirata
Yoko Ono SKY TV 1966, exhibition realisation 2024 Courtesy the artist © Yoko Ono
Yoko Ono Add Colour (Refugee Boat) concept 1960, first realised 2016, installed at Yoko Ono Learning Garden of Freedom, Fondacao de Serralves – Museu de Arte Contemporanea, Porto, Portugal, 30 May–15 November 2020. Courtesy the artist © Yoko Ono Photograph by Filipe Braga
Yoko Ono FLY 1996, exhibition realisation 2024 Courtesy the artist © Yoko Ono Photo by Stephen Salpukas, billboard installed in Richmond Virginia.
