Offered is an incredibly rare John Lennon artwork entitled “Dream 2,” which features a self-portrait. The drawing is done in black felt tip pen on heavier, manilla colored paper. While studying Japanese at The Berlitz New York School of Language from November 1976 until January 1977, John would often make sketches to reinforce the lessons. Lennon's son Sean was born the year before, and it inspired him to learn Japanese. In the offered artwork, John has created a scene with himself as the protagonist of a dream involving a large demon and eight spectre-like (or flower-like?) onlookers. The self-portrait shows John with suit, tie and glasses as he is about to make an escape out of the door—his image is accented with small marks indicating motion, as is the demon's. The title “Dream 2” is written below the artwork, and another word was written in a box in the lower right corner, but it was scratched out and obscured. Below his eventual artwork title, John has written two Japanese words: “natsuo (possibly, it's scratched out), torimasu”. “Natsuo” is a unisex Japanese name which means “summer life” meaning, and “torimasu” can mean “to take a picture” or simply to “take” something, even in a stealing manner. Perhaps John is stealing something from this demon...inspiration...only he knows.
In 2007, Yoko Ono was shown the artwork, and on the back of she has signed and inscribed “Love Yoko Ono 2007.” Also on the back, in another hand, is written “John Lennon NYC 1976 / NY School of Language.” A number of smaller artworks on sketchbook pages were sold in the 1980s by another Language School classmate of John's. While many of those have resurfaced over the years, none are as large as the offered drawing, and none so prominently feature John as the main character! The artwork is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from noted Beatles autograph expert Frank Caiazzo. The sheet measures 12 ½ x 9 inches and presents with a small tear at the top which is reinforced with tape on the reverse. Otherwise there is no other major condition issues, and the black ink remains bold and dark. Excellent to Mint condition.