'Protect the persecuted': behind Yoko Ono's impactful refugee art project
The musician and artist has brought two artworks to New York and talks about her desire to bring empathy to our view of immigration
When Yoko Ono fled Japan for America in the 1950s, it was a difficult time for her and her mother after the second world war. Though she wasn’t a refugee, she empathizes with migrants being an immigrant herself.
“I didn’t have this kind of experience,” Ono tells the Guardian. “But I felt I could have had it, as an Asian, and as a woman who spoke out.”
Now, the artist is bringing two artworks to New York as part of the 18th annual River To River Festival, running until 29 June, which is presented by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.
Ono is showing her sculpture , where arrived at New York harbor.
