Page 98 - TOP 10 CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS - Volume II
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Setsuko Ono
Lives and works in Washington, DC, United States of America
www.setsuko-ono.com
Setsuko Ono was born in Tokyo and grew up between a major influence, convincing Setsuko that chance,
Japan, Europe, and the United States. During her 28-year random actions, and happenstance should play integral
career at the World Bank, Setsuko simultaneously roles in creation. When her brother-in-law, John Lennon,
pursued formal art education at the Corcoran School saw her sculptures, he encouraged her to pursue her
of Art and Design in Washington, D.C., but only began deep passion for art.
exhibiting her art once she retired in 2003. She has
exhibited her art in the United States, Cuba, and Japan The influences of music and John Cage led to three
and her sculptures remain permanently installed in characteristics in her body of work regardless of media.
Baltimore, Havana, and Tokyo and at the Hara Arc She does not plan ahead by making detailed blueprints
Museum in Shibukawa, Japan. or preliminary drawings. She paints and constructs
sculptures by letting chance and happenstance lead her
Dreams, happenstance, and music provide profound though each decision of color, brush stroke, weld, cut, or
inspiration for Setsuko’s paintings and sculptures. Three bend. This generates an ever-varying style. Furthermore,
musicians influenced her deeply. In her childhood, her her figures are depicted in a paused action, as she
father’s great love of classical music and the piano reveals the movements and liveliness of flora and fauna,
made lasting impression. Setsuko vividly remembers often portraying them flying or dancing. Finally, some
challenging herself to run faster than her father’s piano of her works reflect her fierce sense of justice and her
playing. As a teenager, she met John Cage and began deep sorrow for the victims of wars, poverty, and the
attending his concerts. One performance, 4’33”, became destruction of nature.
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