Painting to Hammer a Nail In / Cross Version

Yoko Ono, 2005 (1990, 1999, 2000)

In a society dominated by Christianity, the cross is an unmistakable symbol of Jesus’ resurrection. By offering us the opportunity to hammer a nail into one of the crosses ourselves, Ono allows us to take on a new, active role in this process of crucifixion. At the same time this means that we become accomplices. Cultural, religious, political and artistic boundaries can be transgressed by picking up a hammer. This gives rise to a new sensitivity for the setting of activity and establishes a connection between collective and individual memory.

Three large crosses stand in the sculpture park. The possibility of hammering in a nail makes the artwork interactive. Three large crosses stand in the sculpture park. The possibility of hammering in a nail makes the artwork interactive.

Image Credits

Author

Elisabeth Fiedler

Location on map

Position 57

Owner

Schenkung der Künstlerin

Artist biography

Yoko Ono

Show all

About the sculpture

In the sculpture Painting to Hammer a Nail in/Cross Version, Yoko Ono aims at the recollection and connection between individual and collective memory. This work reminds us of Golgotha and of the cross as a Christian symbol of the Resurrection.

Integrated into Yoko Ono’s intention to overcome cultural, religious, political and artistic boundaries, the visitors themselves are invited to follow the suggested instructions and hammer a nail into the cross. In order to develop sensitivity for this activity, it will not be integrated into a general event, but will allow the visitors to play the role of the offender, in order to commemorate one of the most famous historic religious, emotional and examples: the Crucifixion.