20 hours ago
Sunday, 31 March 2019
Me and Yoko.
As I mentioned recently, I lived in London between 1964 and about 1968. London at that time was the epicentre of all things artistic.
I attended hundreds of vernissages in the most avant garde galleries, bizarre concerts at various locations, outdoor gigs by famous bands, and outrageous 'happenings' at the ICA and elsewhere. It was a time of experiment; and I took full advantage.
One of my favourite evenings from that period was a mixed event of 'happenings' at Conway Hall in Red Lion Square. I remember two pieces in particular. One was a two-man German 'act' called Inner Circle; one man ran up and down the stage, whilst the other did ever more frantic breathing sound effects into a microphone. It was remarkably good. My other favourite was Yoko One who performed two pieces; a Chinese Whisper involving the whole audience (the words were 'Boys Swing'), and her renowned 'Cut Piece'.
I am proud to say that I was one of her more enthusiastic cutters, and I probably cut more from her than anyone else. On reflection I don't know why I didn't keep some of the bits; they might now be worth a few shillings.
Anyway, here is the fragrant Ms Ono, in New York, with someone else brandishing the scissors, a year or so before my own participation in London.
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Those were terrific years, though I wasnt in London till the early 70s...so much happening.
ReplyDeleteThose few post-school years living in London was probably the best time to have been there. I met extraordinary people, and did extraordinary things. Swinging London certainly swung.
DeleteJohn and Yoko were married in the Gibraltar Register Office. You followed in their footsteps n'est-ce pas?
ReplyDeleteWe were married just after them. The registrar said she looked like a Rat; which we found amusing!
DeleteHer career took a bit of a back seat to John's, and I don't think the British public were prepared for her performance art things and felt she had taken John away from the Beatles. She was never very popular. I saw her work at the Venice Biennale a few years ago and was amazed that she had clearly been working all the time she was with John but it had not been high profile.
DeleteI still have two works of hers from a Christmas edition of 'Art and Artists' magazine of about 1968. Several well known artists were invited to do a page of Christmas fun, and Yoko did two. One was a small circle of dotted lines, underneath of which was written 'cut the hole and see the sky'. I did cut the hole, and sent it with a ten bob note to her asking her to sign it (and the other page). I duly received them back; signed and dated. Whether by her or not; I don't know. I have them framed somewhere.
DeleteVenice that year was a bit of a retrospective for her. I had no idea she had been so prolific. You should get them out of the attic and have a look. I like her.
DeleteI have often wondered why people seem to dislike Yoko. I think she was pretty cool and adventurous. We saw her from a distance in NYC. Good video.
ReplyDeleteI think it was because she was regarded as taking John away from the Beatles and the ultimate split. This was of course not true and was going to happen anyway.
DeleteThis might answer some of your question.
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watchv=8unjvcPgzaA
She came to Guildford when I was on Foundation and asked the audience for an object to hold whilst she did the performance. The Head of Department gave her his watch. Her Armani-clad assistants blindfolded everyone with sanitary towels and she asked people to ask her questions. There was a long silence until the Head began a long and rambling question which also got no answer. He persevered until he was the only one who was still blindfolded. Everyone was laughing so he eventually took off his towel to find she had long gone - with his watch.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds typical of her 'events'. Frankly most of it was just silly pranks that she did, and called ART.
DeleteThere were a lot of silly events in those days. 'Happenings' etc. At least our installation was good-looking.
DeleteIt was; I agree!
DeleteWell, you certainly lived in interesting times back then.
ReplyDeleteVery true. I met wonderful people.
DeleteA friend of mine, LOL, interviewed John and Yoko at one of their 'bed ins' for peace. He said they seemed annoyed at him fo asking why they had chosen the most expensive hotel when they were supposedly pushing a peace and equality for all agenda. They weren't amused!
ReplyDeleteAnomalies everywhere in their lives. When John died, he left everything to Yoko, who gave nothing to his two sons. They even had to buy back his precious possessions that she sold.
DeleteWe have a Canadian band here called The Bare Naked Ladies. They produced a song called Be My Yoko Ono. You might find it amusing if you look it up. -Jenn
ReplyDeleteWill do; sounds like just my tasse de thé.
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