Yoko Ono

Yoko Ono was born on February 18, 1933, in Tokyo, Japan. She was the eldest of three children in her family, raised in an affluent environment. Her father was a banker and her mother came from a wealthy family. She was educated at prestigious schools in Japan before moving to New York with her family in 1953. Ono is known for her work as an avant-garde artist and peace activist, as well as for being married to John Lennon of The Beatles.

On November 15, 1961, Yoko Ono premiered her first major public art exhibition at the AG Gallery in New York City. The exhibition was titled "Paintings and Drawings" and featured conceptual works that encouraged audience interaction and participation. This exhibit was a significant step in establishing Ono as a leading figure in the avant-garde art scene of the 1960s. Her work challenged conventional boundaries and explored themes of peace, love, and human consciousness.

Yoko Ono and John Lennon met for the first time on November 8, 1966, at the Indica Gallery in London. Lennon was intrigued by Ono's conceptual art exhibit that was being displayed at the gallery. This meeting marked the beginning of a significant partnership, both personally and professionally. Their relationship later became widely publicized and led to numerous musical and artistic collaborations, further influencing popular culture of the time.

On March 20, 1969, Yoko Ono and John Lennon were married in Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory. Their wedding was a private affair, but it was followed by the famous 'Bed-Ins for Peace', which were publicized honeymoon events aimed at promoting world peace. The couple held their first Bed-In at the Amsterdam Hilton and later another in Montreal. These events were part of their campaign against the Vietnam War and attracted considerable media attention.

On December 10, 1971, John Lennon and Yoko Ono released the single "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)", a protest song written as part of their peace activism. The song was produced by Phil Spector and became one of the most famous Christmas songs, carrying the message of peace and love. Its release was accompanied by posters that read "War is over! If you want it," which appeared in major cities worldwide, promoting peace and opposition to the Vietnam War.

On December 8, 1980, John Lennon was tragically assassinated outside his residence at The Dakota in New York City. Yoko Ono, who was with him at the time, witnessed the murder which had a profound impact on her life. Following his death, Ono continued her artistic career while also preserving Lennon's legacy. She became a prominent figure advocating for peace and nuclear disarmament. Lennon's death was mourned worldwide, impacting music and pop culture greatly.

Following the death of John Lennon, Yoko Ono released her album "Season of Glass" on November 17, 1981. The album was marked by its raw emotional content and cover art featuring Lennon's bloody glasses next to a half-full glass of water. It was a cathartic project for Ono, reflecting her grief and loss. Many of the songs deal with themes of mourning and renewal, marking a significant period in her artistic journey and personal healing process.

A comprehensive retrospective of Yoko Ono's work was held at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, opening on October 18, 1989. This exhibition showcased the breadth of her artwork, highlighting her contributions to the avant-garde movement and her influence on contemporary art. The retrospective included installations, performances, and video art, broadening public appreciation of her role as a pioneering conceptual artist.

Yoko Ono established the LennonOno Grant for Peace on October 7, 2002, in memory of John Lennon's dedication to peace activism. The biennial award is presented to artists, activists, and organizations who work to further the ideals of peace and human rights. Recipients have included polarizing figures and institutions considered to skewer towards peace advocacy. The grant underscores Ono's continuing commitment to promoting peace and human rights.

Yoko Ono opened the "To the Light" exhibition at London's Serpentine Gallery on February 17, 2013. This immersive exhibition featured installations, films, and performances reflecting her career and continued exploration of themes such as peace, hope, and environmental conservation. The installation "Wish Tree", which allowed visitors to add their own wishes to an existing collection, was a significant feature. Ono's artistic legacy and influence were celebrated through this exhibition.

On August 29, 2015, Yoko Ono unveiled her art installation "Skylanding" in Chicago's Jackson Park, her first permanent public art installation in the United States. The installation consists of large lotus petals emerging from the ground, symbolizing peace and renewal. It is situated near the site of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition's Japanese Pavilion, reconnecting with history while promoting global peace, a longstanding theme in Ono's work.