Poetry
by Sandra G, February 15, 2010 9:39 AM
Hand this book to any Yoko-hater and watch as the corners of their mouth tremble, resisting a disarmed smile. This work (originally published in 1970) is probably, properly, "Fluxist," though it takes that project even further from the gallery than any "happening" could. Ono's instructions for the reader are sometimes funny and philosophical ("Let people copy or photograph your paintings. Destroy the originals"), sometimes seemingly impossible ("Let everybody in the city think of the word 'yes' at the same time for 30 seconds. Do it often"), and always fascinating. Yoko's been an art-world hero for a long time, but it needn't end there! I'm convinced the world would be a better place if everyone read Grapefruit.
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