Local Exhibition Features Works by Yoko Ono as Part of MOCA's Centennial Celebration

The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) has been conducting a social media campaign since 2016. The campaign, #5WomenArtists, is aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of women in the art world. This year, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) has selected five women artists for recognition, including Yoko Ono, a Japanese multimedia artist.

Ono was born in Tokyo and moved to New York City in 1940. There, she developed her unique artistic style. She joined the Fluxus group in the early 1960s and met John Lennon in 1966. They collaborated on music and anti-war protests, and formed the Plastic Ono Band in 1969. Ono has released several albums and songs, both with Lennon and as a solo artist.

In addition to music, Ono has created conceptual art pieces, books, and films. Her quote, 'Art is my life and my life is art,' reflects her commitment to art. Despite facing challenges, including the bombings of her city during World War II, Ono's understanding of her 'outsider' status has influenced her art.

Currently, two of Ono's works are exhibited at MOCA Jacksonville. They are part of the exhibition A Walk on the Wild Side: ‘70s New York in the Norman E. Fisher Collection. The exhibition, which will run until July 17, 2024, is part of MOCA's 100th-anniversary celebrations. It also features works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Philip Glass, David Bowie, and Robert Mapplethorpe.

One of Ono's featured pieces, A Box of Smile, was created in 1967. It reflects her aim to inspire positivity. Ono has said about the piece, “I just wanted to have a box that people can look into, and when they’re sad and angry and all that, to see how it looks smiling.” This statement shows Ono's ongoing commitment to using art as a means of change and emotional expression.

This article has been enhanced with AI assistance. Agree to access AI-generated content by clicking here, or opt for content with less AI influence here.