Yoko Ono Unveils First Public Art Installation In US: John Lennon's Wife Debuts ‘Skylanding’ In Chicago

Yoko Ono has been known to have her hand in a variety of projects, from fashion collections to music albums. Now, the artist can add another “first” to her list of artistic accomplishments. Her very first public art installation in the United States was unveiled Monday in Chicago’s Jackson Park.

“Skylanding” is comprised of 12 large lotus petals made from steel that stand within the park. The sculpture was erected in an area of the park known as the “Garden of Phoenix,” which was meant to symbolize relations between the U.S. and Japan.

A large crowd gathered Monday to celebrate the official unveiling of “Skylanding.” Among those in attendance were Ono, who is the widow of Beatles singer John Lennon, and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, ABC 7 Chicago reported. Speaking of the sculpture’s meaning, Ono explained that the large metal petals climbing from the ground were meant to represent where the sky and earth met.

Ono first announced her intention of amassing a sculpture in the area more than a year ago, although not much information was revealed following the announcement, according to NBC Chicago. The sculpture was created in partnership with Project 120 and the Chicago Park District.

The impetus for the sculpture’s creation came from a visit Ono paid to the area a few years prior for a cherry blossom tree installation, according to the Associated Press.

“Skylanding’s” intent was to promote peace and the harmony of nature, according to the artist. It's a “place where the sky and earth meet and create a seed to learn about the past and come together to create a future of peace and harmony, with nature and each other,” Ono stated.

Prior to the sculpture’s unveiling, Chicago-based Bassist-bandleader Tatsu Aoki collaborated with Ono on an album inspired by the forthcoming sculpture, named “Skylanding: Music of Yoko Ono by the Miyumi Project.”