Renowned artist, filmmaker, and musician Yoko Ono has been honored with the prestigious Edward MacDowell Medal by one of the country's leading artist residency programs, MacDowell. The award recognizes Ono's groundbreaking contributions to the arts over her illustrious career spanning seven decades.
The MacDowell board chair, Nell Painter, praised Ono's unparalleled artistic vision, stating that 'there has never been anyone like her; there has never been work like hers.' Ono's diverse body of work has not only captivated audiences but also inspired feminists and advocated for migrants, making her a truly unique and influential figure in the art world.
Ono's son, Sean Ono Lennon, expressed his pride in his mother's achievement, calling the award 'an incredible honor.' He highlighted the remarkable history of past recipients of the Edward MacDowell Medal, underscoring the significance of Ono's artistic legacy.
At 91 years old, Ono has limited her public appearances in recent years and is not expected to attend the awards ceremony in July at the MacDowell campus in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Her music manager, David Newgarden, will accept the award on her behalf.
Yoko Ono rose to prominence as part of the avant-garde Fluxus movement in the 1960s before gaining international fame following her marriage to John Lennon in 1969. The couple collaborated on iconic songs such as “Give Peace a Chance,” “Imagine,” and “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” which continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Throughout her career, Ono has maintained a prolific output as a visual and recording artist, releasing albums like “Season of Glass,” “Starpeace,” and “Take Me to the Land of Hell.” Her impact on the art world was recently celebrated with a career retrospective at London's Tate Modern, further solidifying her status as a trailblazing artist.
