John Lennon Shakes New York! The Passionate Artist Who Advocated for Peace in the Fiery 1970s (Documentary One to One Review)

John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Move to New York

In the summer of 1971, John Lennon and Yoko Ono left England for New York. It was not just a simple escape. New York, as the center of art and a politically charged city, provided a stage for the two to freely engage in artistic activities and participate in social issues. The documentary One to One: John & Yoko, released in 2024, details John and Yoko's life in New York during this period, shedding new light on the intersection of art and politics. This article will analyze the artistic and political activities of Lennon and Ono in New York from 1971 to 1973 within the context of the social atmosphere of the time, and explore both their contributions and shortcomings.

Shout out to the world through media

Lennon and Ono actively utilized mass media such as television while they were in New York. The documentary shows scenes of the two watching TV, gaining interest in the happenings of the world and drawing artistic inspiration. At that time, television unveiled the dark sides of American society, highlighting issues such as the Vietnam War, the Attica prison riots, and the Watergate scandal. Rather than ignoring these issues, Lennon and Ono expressed their thoughts through music, performances, and campaigns. A notable example is the 'War Is Over (If You Want It)' campaign. This campaign became a great example of conveying a direct message to society through art.

From artist to active citizen

During their stay in New York, Lennon and Ono acted not just as simple artists but as social activists. They participated in protests demanding the withdrawal of U.S. troops alongside anti-war activists and did not yield to threats of deportation from U.S. immigration authorities citing drug law enforcement. Especially, the 'One to One' charity concert held at Madison Square Garden in 1972 was both a political act and an artistic success. This concert was a fundraising event to help children with developmental disabilities at Willowbrook State School and served as a catalyst for raising public awareness about human rights and welfare issues.

Extreme methods, NO! Peaceful methods.

Lennon and Ono distanced themselves from the radical left movements in the United States. They met with Yippie activists like Jerry Rubin to discuss the anti-war movement, but did not engage in violent methods or attempts to overthrow the system. Instead, they chose to convey social messages through peaceful means such as music, interviews, and art. This served as an important example of how artistic activities could play a role amidst the diverse ideas of the anti-war movement in the 1960s and 70s.

Regret and Limitations: The Challenges Shown by the Encounter of Art and Politics

However, the combination of art and politics during this period was far from perfect. The documentary intentionally omits issues such as Lennon and Ono's marital problems, drug issues, and psychological struggles, showing only the positive aspects. There were also distortions, fatigue, and resentment that can arise when art is used as a political tool. Nevertheless, the songs they left behind, such as 'Imagine', 'Mother', and 'Instant Karma!', simultaneously showcased the potential and limitations of art by connecting personal pain with societal ideals.

Pioneering Practitioners, John and Yoko

From 1971 to 1973, New York was not just a temporary shelter for Lennon and Ono, but an experimental space where art and politics converged. The documentary One to One: John & Yoko sheds light on this period, showing how the two expanded their art and existence into social practice amidst the media environment and political situation of that time. Today, the term 'activist artist' is commonly used, but Lennon and Ono proved that possibility in the complex city of New York over half a century ago. Their activities still pose important questions for us: 'Can art change the world?' The answer is hidden within the works they left behind.