Introduction: The Garden of the Phoenix
The Garden of the Phoenix is located in Jackson Park, Chicago, and emanates from the site of the Ho-o-den (Phoenix Pavilion), which was dedicated on the Wooded Island on March 31, 1893 by the United States and Japan for the World’s Columbian Exposition as a permanent place for visitors to learn about Japan and experience Japanese culture.
Over the past 120 years, the Garden of the Phoenix has become one of the most important sites in America reflecting the past and future of U.S.-Japan relations. In 2013, over 120 cherry blossom trees were planted in and around this historic site to commemorate its extraordinary history, and to usher in a new era for the Garden of the Phoenix and the relationship between these two nations.
During the planting of the cherry trees in 2013, Yoko Ono visited the site and was inspired by its history and natural beauty. The result is SKYLANDING, a 12-petal lotus sculpture that rises from the ashes of the Phoenix Pavilion that was lost to arson in 1946. SKYLANDING brings the artist's personal sense of hopefulness for humanity to the public at large. Her intention during its conception was to invite visitors to walk into the center of the lotus and look within oneself and realize that peace and harmony begins within each of us.
Today, Jackson Park is being prepared for the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, which will bring over 700,000 people annually from around the world. The Garden of the Phoenix is also being prepared to take stage on the Wooded Island, the centerpiece of Jackson Park, for the world to come together…
“where the sky and earth meet and create a seed to learn about the past and come together to create a future of peace and harmony with nature and each other”
- YOKO ONO
Articles:
The Garden of the Phoenix: 120th Anniversary of the Japanese Garden in Chicago by Robert W. Karr, Jr. published in the North American Japanese Garden Association Journal (2013)
鳳凰の庭園：シカゴ日本庭園 120周年記念 by Robert W. Karr, Jr. (2013)
Yoko Ono’s SKYLANDING Arrives in Chicago’s Jackson Park by Robert W. Karr, Jr. published in Japan Airlines Sky Magazine (2016)
Videos:
SKYLANDING by Yoko Ono (2016)
The Making of the Garden of the Phoenix Website (2016)
Jackson Park from Above (2015)
Websites:
The Garden of the Phoenix (gardenofthephoenix.org)
SKYLANDING by Yoko Ono (skylanding.com)
Gallery:
