John Lennon is widely recognized as a legendary musician; however, his passion for visual arts also significantly impacted his artistic legacy. Throughout his life, Lennon explored various creative avenues, producing a plethora of sketches that reflect his unique perspective on life, love, and peace.
A Glimpse into His Creative Mind
Though he will always remain best known as a musician, John Lennon never tried to hide his fondness for the visual arts. He’d attended art college in Liverpool, after all, and he made sketches and caricatures at every opportunity. This 1977 work, ‘Imagine Peace,’ captures him as a contented family man with wife Yoko Ono and son Sean.
Transformative Moments Captured in Art
From his early days in Hamburg to his life in New York City, Lennon’s art often reflected the world around him. His sketches capture the essence of his experiences, revealing insights into his personal relationships and social commentary.
From the Hamburg days of the early ’60s, when Astrid Kirchherr took some notable portraits of the Beatles, Lennon was one of the most photographed people in the world. This portrait of him dates to the late 1970s.
A Focus on Family and Peace
After becoming a father, Lennon’s focus began to shift towards family life. He often expressed his love for his son Sean through heartfelt sketches that illustrate the bond they shared.
After Sean was born in 1975, Lennon became a househusband, doting on his young son. ‘I’ve attended every meal, and how he sleeps, and the fact he swims like a fish because I took him to the ocean,’ he said. ‘I’m proud of all those things.’ This 1978 work is called ‘Family of Peace.’
The Message of Love and Hope
Lennon’s artistic expressions often conveyed messages of love, hope, and the profound belief in peace. His sketches served as a visual representation of his ideals, inviting viewers to reflect on the importance of these themes in their own lives.
Lennon continued doing whimsical sketches, including one of two people kissing on television. ‘Love is the answer,’ it says, quoting a line from the song ‘Mind Games.’ The sketch, in black and white, originally appeared in his 1964 book, ‘In His Own Write.’
Legacy of a Creative Genius
John Lennon’s contribution to the arts extends far beyond his musical achievements. His ability to blend visual art with powerful messages of love and peace ensures that his legacy is celebrated in numerous forms, inspiring countless individuals around the globe.
John and Yoko got married on March 20, 1969. Two months later, they spent a honeymoon week in Montreal doing a ‘bed-in’ for peace. While receiving visitors at the hotel, Lennon started putting his feelings into words. The lyrics, listed above, became ‘Give Peace a Chance.’ The song was recorded live in the Montreal hotel room on June 1, 1969.
