I have loved Yoko Ono from the moment I understood who she was. Her unabashed willingness to be vulnerable and share her personal journey through her art and design is praiseworthy. I admire her transparency and ability to champion on behalf of her own spirit and its evolution.
The process of healing is a daunting one. I cannot imagine what she endured the days, months and years following John Lennon's death. But through her inspirational work, she shows us the possibility of celebrating the process of healing and starting over.
These espresso cups designed by Yoko Ono for Illy, were inspired by the Japanese Kintsugi method of repairing broken pottery using powdered metals mixed with water and lacquer. The fine gold lines mimic a cracked effect on the cup, and each saucer features a sentence marking a shattering event in modern history. Thus, interrelating broken objects to physical wounds and emotional loss.
The set of seven ($250) are available at the MoMA design shop. They include the My Lai Massacre (March 16, 1968), the bombing of Dresden during World War II (Feb. 13, 1945) and John Lennon’s death in New York (Dec. 8, 1980).
The set includes one plain white cup, with a saucer bearing the words “This cup will never be broken as it will be under your protection"...beautiful.
This collection is timed to debut with the occasion of the artist's exhibit Yoko Ono: One Woman Show, 1960–1971 at MoMA that began on May 17th and continues through September 7th.
*Though I do not see any indication that any of the proceeds of these cups are going to any specific organization, I know fully that Ms. Ono's continued dedication to World Peace is inspiration enough for her artwork to be included in this catalogue.
Yes, Smitten.