ONOchord 2004

ONOchord was created by the performance artist Yoko Ono, whose work was central to the fluxus movement. Before this module I did not know much about her work but after exploring her work on the internet I am completely intrigued! ONOchord may seem quite cringey to many but I think it is a beautiful work with a strong message and intention. I chose it because it was one of the most interactive video art that I had come across. In the documentary Yoko comments that the world is seeing a race between those who “want to destroy it and those who want to cover it with love”. She wants to cover it with love but comments that the opposition are faster. In order to beat them she encourages her audience to join her in the race, on her ‘team’. Her concept is communicated through media as well as a flashlight/torch. She does not even use her voice or facial expression just her thumb to make a huge statement. The benefit of using a torch means the message can be communicated “From ships, from buildings, using the buildings…to the sky, from the sky.” She is using the power of multimedia to win the race.

When she came to London’s Tate Gallery in 2004 she told her audience to take the flashlight home with them: “It’s nice to have a moment to think of love.” The success of her art is completely dependent on the interaction of her audience. The last few minutes of the documentary in Tokyo in October 2004, prove ONOchord to be a success. The image of all the lights flashing says such a huge statement in such a simple, unobtrusive way. Her art is not time-based but durational, so ...
I i
LOVE ii
YOU iii