The conceptual artist, living legend who occupies a prominent place in contemporary art, music and experimental cinema, arrived in Bilbao to present his exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum and by the way, conquering the citizens with their sympathy, vitality and discourse Pacifist. "Pioneer of conceptual and musical art that has made a transcendental contribution to the art of the last Centuries". With these shocking words Juan Ignacio Vida presented to Yoko Ono, shortly before Ono made a plea for digital communication and its relationship with the lowering of daily citizen conflict. "While people chat, surf the net and talk through their mobiles, they don't argue and wish to see, even if it sounds utopian, world peace." Optimistic appeal that ripped the popular clamor.
Walking work of art.
I heard this phrase and I can not locate its origin, "the work of art is her" and honestly, after visualizing the sample and meet the protagonist, I would say agglutinates the feeling of the people who were with Yoko and saw her dance, or paint a wall of the Guggenheim , before our eyes. Although beyond the charismatic figure of the creator, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao pays homage to the singular character, gathering the unknown work of Yoko Ono, to offer a global vision of the whole of the artistic life of the Japanese creator.
Yoko Ono responds…
Why do you think your work is a great stranger?
That is probably my responsibility, I always thought it was a different work and also that there would come a time when people would discover it. And the time has come in Bilbao.
What do you think of the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao?
I am impressed with every part of this museum which is wonderful. I am very lucky that my work has come to this place and I feel totally inspired. The power of the city is incredible, it exerts a silent revolution and I have to say, although it should not, that the Guggenheim is the most beautiful museum I have ever seen in my life.
Conceptual movement.
To understand Yoko Ono I consider it necessary to start with the artistic current linked to its trajectory. Conceptual art is defined as a trend based on an idea that prevails over formal aspects, leaving the final resolution as a mere support. This is the basis of Yoko Ono's creative facet, the concept that supports each of the realities that form part of his artistic career. Each work encloses a story, surprising in most cases and the first of all, which also presents the sample, is related to the start of his love story with John Lennon. "Ceiling paint, yes painting." The still Beatle and the Japanese met thanks to her. John Lennon appeared in the gallery that showed the ladder of Ono, climbed, used the magnifying glass and discovered the secret hidden under the tiny letters, "Yes." Yoko Ono, rejecting the constant denial that encloses the Japanese culture, decided to make this positive installation that dazzled Lennon. "I want to meet the optimistic composer of this work" he reflected his friends and what arose from this meeting is known worldwide.
Jon Hendricks, curator of "Half-A-wind-show" and chess master replies…
The exhibition has reached the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao with a great deal of anticipation. What is the meaning of the sample?
Yoko Ono's HALF-A-WIND SHOW is a rare opportunity to see a great representation of the artist's work. The public rarely has the opportunity to delve widely into the work of a creator. The show shows its great strength and imagination, from the first works to the most recent. People have the freedom to participate, read, look, understand and imagine. All that offers us.
And what does the sample mean for Yoko?
I think Yoko Ono is very happy to share her work with the Bilbao and certainly the citizens have the opportunity to interact with many facets of their work.
What is the meaning of Yoko Ono's work and why do you think she followed the conceptual path?
An artist, a good artist, a great artist, has the ability to open our eyes and minds in a direction that we had not previously traveled. If you consider each of Yoko's work you will have the opportunity to discover new universes. She is an artist who uses a wide range of ways to create her work and as a promoter of conceptualism, plays a very important role.
Yoko Ono lived many experiences during her life, how did they affect her work?
All of us are influenced by our experiences, and those experiences, those learning, are introduced into our work.
How would the "show" explain to a person who is not an expert in art?
The most important thing is to look, listen or play. When we see a landscape, when we feel the wind, when we touch the water, we experience the power of nature. The same is true of art, but we must be open to it. If we close the knowledge, it will elude us.