Sky by Yoko Ono in the Subway

Yoko Ono continues creating works at the age of 85. On this occasion, the Japanese-American multimedia artist created the installation titled Sky for the reopening of the 72nd Street subway station in New York City, which had been closed for renovation and major structural repairs for six months. The station has a special significance for the artist as it is located outside the Dakota Apartments, the famous site where John Lennon was assassinated (and where he and Ono lived since the 1970s). This is what led her to create this installation consisting of six separate ceramic mosaics that altogether measure 973 square feet. For the project, Yoko Ono transformed photographs into mosaic sky paintings that show subtle gradations in color and tone of a blue sky full of clouds and with written messages of hope. Additionally, Ono designed these murals so the perspective subtly shifts in each of them, allowing passersby to observe the clouds from slightly different angles as they walk across the station. Two of the mosaics have been placed above the mezzanine stairs that lead to the southbound platform where two more pieces are displayed. A fifth mosaic is installed on the northbound platform while the sixth piece is featured in the main turnstile area on the mezzanine level. Yoko Ono said about the installation: "I am thrilled that my new work, Sky, will be opening at the 72nd Street subway station, just steps from my home and Strawberry Fields, which I created in memory of my late husband. It will bring the sky underground, so it is always with us. I hope that this will bring peace and joy to my fellow New Yorkers for many years to come." In addition to the murals by Yoko Ono, the revamp of the nearly 90 year old subway station features new digital signs with real-time service information, enhanced road and entrance signage, energy-efficient lighting, as well as updated security equipment. However, the art installation Sky is likely to be what captures the attention of subway riders as, according to Sandra Bloodworth, director of MTA Arts & Design, "Art has the ability to both elevate us and ground us, which is what Yoko Ono's mosaics bring to this location that has meaning to many riders as well as music fans around the world. Her mosaics remind us that a cloudy sky may be ephemeral but there is always hope."