A tribute to the 50th anniversary of the seminal album ‘Imagine’, by former member of The Beatles John Lennon (1940 -1980). The title single is now considered his signature track - especially post his tragic murder - considering the song’s main theme of global community and peace.
It ticked over a half century since release in October 2021 and celebrated with a number of events including a re-issue on white vinyl; the ‘Imagine’ single was certified triple platinum as a result.
The concept came from theorizing what the polar opposite of Lennon’s image is and yet, also relative; what immediately came to mind was conflict. When I dreamed up this idea I was not aware that Lennon had starred in a war-themed movie in 1967.
The like-within-heart combo emojis being dropped from WWII bombers setting Lennon ablaze has double meaning; Spreading love and peace by mass conveyance via he and wife Yoko Ono’s manifesto and subsequent creative projects.
However it also refers to the public perception of Ono, and her subsequent negative treatment. By the time of Lennon’s demise Ono was so disliked that Rolling Stone magazine attempted to exclude her from the now iconic Annie Leibovitz cover.
Accusations included she had not only actively broken up Lennon’s first marriage, but also caused the Beatles to split by manipulating Lennon utilizing their relationship, in the way a narcissist may manipulate a romantic interest by ‘love bombing’ them to get their desired level of control.
Whether these opinions of her behaviour actually had any weight is beside the point; the fact is she endured the type of brutal scrutiny and campaign of persecution which seems to be commonplace for partners of beloved cultural figures the public become possessive of.
