Lennon evokes emotions

By Jimmy Chai, Special to the Daily Forty-Niner

Wednesday, December 2, 1998

 

John Lennon was best known for his music, but overshadowed by his talent was his first passion - art.

Last week, some of John Lennon's drawings took center stage at Shoreline Village in Long Beach. The event displayed the evolution of his artwork from his years at the Liverpool Art Institute.

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ART REVIEW

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Lennon, who formed The Beatles in the late '50s, managed tokeep his love of art alive throughout the years. One of his earlier works, "Sherlock Lennon" (1965), is a self-portrait of Lennon disguised in a Sherlock Holmes outfit. The simple pencil drawing follows a theme that Lennon displays throughout his lifetime. In some cases, Lennon manages to simplify his work as the years go on giving a feeling that less is more.

In his 1969 self-portrait "Looking Back," Lennon struts arm in arm with a shy Ono, her face covered by the brim of an oversized hat.

On display were also some of Lennon's handwritten lyrics. The inconsistent style of handwriting gave a glimpse of Lennon's mood and his character at the time.