‘IMAGINE PEACE’ IN TIMES SQUARE
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanThere could be no greater wish on this earth than the hope for peace. As all eyes focus on New York City this last week of 2012, the Ball Drop in Times Square has become a long standing tradition of out with the old and in with the new.
On 12.21.12, people from across nations visiting and living in New York City came together to sing “IMAGINE” by John Lennon on invitation from Yoko Ono right in the middle of Times Square as her very own creative film called “IMAGINE PEACE” played on billboards in the crossroads of the world.
Attendees met at 11:45 p.m. and it all transpired at 11:57 p.m. at the ‘Red Steps’ at Duffy Square on Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets. The night became so much brighter as we all dream for a more peaceful tomorrow.
This was a collaboration between Yoko Ono, Times Square Arts (the public arts program of the Times Square Alliance), Art Production Fund and Make Music New York. This event builds on the existing partnership of Times Square Arts and the Times Square Advertising Coalition in a nightly program of coordinated art on the digital screens. It is forever known as Times Square Moment: A Digital Gallery.
Yoko Ono Lennon is passionate about her cause. “It’s time for Action, Action is Peace. Think Peace, Act Peace, Spread Peace, IMAGINE PEACE. Together we have the power to change the world. I LOVE YOU!”
Perhaps this is the greatest wish that we can even ‘Imagine’ for 2013 and beyond. We cannot forget the importance of love and brotherhood.
As Doreen Remen and Yvonne Force, co-founders of Art Production Fund, put it, “Art has the power to bring people together and nothing is more powerful than when we are all united in our humanity. Every opportunity to come together as one is another step in the direction of peace, understanding and global respect. IMAGINE PEACE – our world cannot afford another day without it.”
Yoko Ono’s talented production, “IMAGINE PEACE”, is the Times Square Moment for the entire month of December and the presentation is made possible by Times Square Advertising Coalition (TSAC) and Times Square Arts. Every evening through December 30th, Times Square features the film from 11:57 p.m to midnight. It is a constant reminder of the importance of making this wish a reality and coming together to love thy neighbor.
As we are sometimes reminded, Yoko’s world was disrupted by violence when she lost the love of her life, John Lennon. Now she has fought back with her worldwide initiative of anti-violence. “IMAGINE PEACE” is written in 24 languages set over the tranquil imagery of a blue-sky background. The power of art becomes even more surreal as you see it light up the monumental screens simultaneously in this one area. With over 400,000 visitors on a daily basis, Times Square is the perfect place to spread the word.
Times Square Moment: A Digital Gallery is relatively new coming on the scene in May of 2012 but nonetheless, cutting edge art conveys just how iconic and dazzling trend-setting topics such as this can be. Artists from across the world are given a much publicized medium to reveal their latest work and each month we witness new artists.
As millions come to the massive city to participate in the New Year’s Eve festivities, there is no better time for Yoko Ono Lennon to share her film of the heart and a desire for a much better and peaceful world. Put it on your ‘to do’ list before December 30th comes and goes.
http://www.timessquarenyc.org/times-square-arts/moment/index.aspx.
