John Lennon exhibition

  • 13 years ago
21 years after his death, and Beatles legend John Lennon is still drawing in the crowds.
To mark what should have been the late musician's 71st birthday this weekend - various pieces from his massive art collection have gone on display in New York.
Featuring over 100 items, show producer Rudy Siegel is delighted John's work has such a broad appeal.
SOUNDBITE: Rudy Siegel, Legacy Productions, Producer, saying (English)
"It's still amazing how John still draws people together. It's great to see the wealthiest person in town standing next to somebody that doesn't have a penny in their pocket. And they can look at the artwork and listen to the music and still enjoy in the moment and I think John would have been happy about what is going on here this weekend."
Called "Gimme Some Truth", the collection includes drawings John did for his son Sean, song lyrics and portraits.
Giving back to the city the music legend considered home, the exhibition is free of charge - apart from a two dollar charitable donation.
Each visitor is being asked to chip in a couple of dollars in support of Citymeals-on-wheels. Beth Shapiro runs the organisation.
SOUNDBITE: Beth Shapiro, Citymeals-on-wheels, Executive Director, saying (English)
"Citymeals-on-wheels feeds home-bound elderly New Yorkers - people who are 60 and older who can no longer shop or cook for their meals. They've aged so much that they have become shut-ins in their own homes."
Before his death in 1980 John had changed from a musician into a full-fledged visual artist. Painting for roughly six-years without even picking up an instrument.
SOUNDBITE: Rudy Siegel, Legacy Productions, Producer, saying (English)
"It's a different side of John Lennon, most people didn't know that he was an artist or that he went to Liverpool art institute from 1957 to 1960. So he had some training, and he had some formal education. And what you're able to see here is expressions through both his pen, writing down the words to "Revolution" or "Imagine" or "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds." Or, his pen in a different way when he draws these wonderful sketches of himself or of he and Yoko or of him as a musician,"
John Lennon fans will have to be quick if they want to see this display as the exhibition runs from October 7-10.
Sarah Mills, Reuters.

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