During my days living in London, I was a member of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) when it was still in Dover Street (where it was an artists club), and before it moved to Pall Mall (where it became simply a huge gallery).
I was a member in the days of 'Happenings'; conceptual art-works that lasted for a short while only. I attended a lot of these events, including one where I cut most of Yoko Ono's clothes off in Red Lion Square. I think it was called 'Cut Piece'.
You may well have seen this event (above) before, which is nothing to do with the ICA, but it reminds me of those eventful days, and is very emotional.
After the ICA moved to Pall Mall the monthly member's magazine (below) was discontinued, and everything changed. I still have most of my old 'The ICA Bulletin' magazines, in France.
The ICA was a wonderful club, and I regretted its evolution. There had been a bar in Dover Street where you really never knew who you might meet. It was extraordinary. There was also a 'Library' where members showed work; including me on one occasion.
Enjoy the video!
I hope John Lennon did not wallop you after you had cut Yoko's clothes off.
ReplyDeleteI didn't see him anywhere. I don't know why I didn't keep any bits!!!
Delete'Cut Piece'. Intrigued I looked it up, it is based, loosely, on Shinto Buddhism and the story of 'The Hungry Tigress'. You give rather than take, so you should definitely have kept that piece of cloth.
ReplyDeleteI cut off rather a lot; she wasn't amused.
DeleteSomehow when cutting clothes off another person takes place, I
ReplyDeletethink alcohol and/or drugs are involved.
Alternatively, you describe it as some kind of artistic/creative experience.
I want to know what happened after Yoko's clothes were cut off.
She was sitting cross-legged on the floor, and when she felt that it was getting close to her being starkers, it stopped. But I can't remember exactly how it stopped.
DeleteWhen first started watching the video I thought, "Well, this is just weird" By the end I had big fat tears rolling down my face. Very touching Cro. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteIt's very emotional; and genuinely so.
DeleteSo emotional and beautiful. The Meeting. Wow.
ReplyDeletePowerful stuff!
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