Born in Tokyo, Japan, Yoko Ono moved to New York City in the early 1950s, where she became a central figure in the downtown avant-garde scene. Her early career was defined by her involvement with the Fluxus collective, where she challenged traditional definitions of art through experimental performance and conceptual projects.

Ono is widely known for her Instruction Paintings, a series of text-based works that invite the viewer to participate in the creation of the art. Her practice spans a diverse range of media, including film, music, and installation, often focusing on themes of peace, feminism, and the intersection of the artist and the audience.

Her work continues to receive significant institutional recognition, including major retrospective exhibitions at international museums. Her influence remains a cornerstone of contemporary art history, particularly regarding the development of participatory and performance-based practices.