Float down stream – Ode to Ophelia - Yoshiko Okada

This special work by Yoshiko is an Ode to Ophelia and is inspired by the painting ‘Ophelia’ by John Everett Millais.

It tells the story of Ophelia in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. Ophelia is probably the most interesting and relevant reflection on current gender relations. At a time when Western women are struggling to establish their foothold in this part of the 21st century, Ophelia is speaking quite directly to our generation about their plight, which is still unresolved.

The story of Ophelia is a strong thread in the complexity of Hamlet. She is a young woman surrounded by powerful men. She is a daughter, sister, lover and a member of the entourage of the royal court. In each of those roles she is exploited or abused or even both, and under that irresistible pressure, she descends into mental illness. She loses her mind and appears babbling and incoherent at court. The next thing the public hears about her is that she drowned herself.

‘Ode to Ophelia’ is performed in ‘Pâte de Verre’. It consists of 53 parts and can be installed in a pond, but also simply in the garden. Yoshiko has made multiple variations as evolutions. We can send you images on request.

‘Ode to Ophelia’ can be viewed and admired in our sculpture garden. You’re welcome! When purchasing, you should take additional installation costs into account.