Apple (artwork) facts for kids
Apple is a famous artwork created by the Japanese artist Yoko Ono in 1966. It is known as a type of art called Conceptual art, where the idea behind the artwork is more important than the artwork itself.
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What is the Artwork?
The artwork features a real apple placed on top of a clear stand made of plexiglass. A small metal sign, called a brass plaque, is attached to the front of the stand. This plaque simply has the word 'APPLE' written on it. Later, Yoko Ono made another version of this artwork. She covered the apple in bronze as part of a series of artworks she called 'Bronze Age'.
History of Apple
First Exhibition
The Apple artwork was first shown in London in 1966. It was part of Yoko Ono's art show called Unfinished Paintings and Objects By Yoko Ono. This show took place at a gallery called the Indica Gallery.
John Lennon's Visit
On November 9, 1966, the famous musician John Lennon visited Yoko Ono's exhibition. He had heard that an "amazing woman" was having a show. Lennon was very surprised by the Apple artwork. He thought it was "fantastic" and understood her art right away. He found the idea of an apple being art quite funny.
During his visit, Lennon took a bite out of the apple on display. He then apologized and put the apple back. Yoko Ono later remembered being "furious" because he had messed with her artwork. However, Lennon was also very impressed by another of Ono's artworks called Ceiling Painting/Yes Painting.
Later Exhibitions
The Apple artwork was recreated in 2006. This was the first time it had been shown again in 40 years. It was displayed at a gallery called Riflemaker in London. This gallery recreated the original Indica Gallery. The original Indica Gallery had closed in 1967.
In 2015, Apple was shown again at a big art show. This show was called Yoko Ono: One Woman Show, 1960–1971. It took place at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. An art critic named Bruce Handy said that Apple was one of the artworks you "must see" at the exhibition. He thought the apple used was likely a Granny Smith type.
