Mend carefully.
Think of mending the world
At the same time
are the instructions to Yoko Ono’s Mend Piece for London which is currently exhibited in a petite and brightly lit white room in Whitechapel Gallery. This work was first presented as Mending Piece 1 at her 1966 solo exhibition Yoko at Indica in the Indica Gallery. The concept is for the exhibition to be completed by the actions of visitors and draws inspiration from the Japanese tradition of kintsugi – the art of repairing broken pottery using a laquer mixed with precious metals that seeks to embellish and nurture breakage as an important part of an object’s history, rather than seeking to disguise it.
Based on my previous experience of Ms Ono’s oeuvre, my expectations were exceeded by this piece of work. I think the interactive element is effective and the way the ‘repaired’ crockery is displayed stacked on shelves is eye catching, especially as the walls, shelves, pottery and string are all virtually the same shade of white, which, when layered against each other, provides a sterile atmosphere. It is easy to find comfort in the creativity and unique-ness of the previously destroyed pottery.
The exhibition provides long tables set with a selection of ceramic fragments as well as typical repairing materials: glue, string, scissors and tape, where you are encouraged to sit down and take part. Though my time was limited, I found the process really enjoyable and it felt meditative to piece these objects back together in my own way and cathartic to be able to disobey the rules of its previous function, adding to a feeling of accomplishment.
I would highly recommend visiting Whitechapel Gallery and this exhibition.
