OY/YO's strength lies in its nostalgic whimsy and wordplay. OY is originally derived from Yiddish, and YO is recognizable as a greeting that arose out of urban slang and hip-hop culture or Spanish for "I." Both sounds are easily found throughout many languages and communities, often suggesting jubilance and frustration, exuberance and grittiness, optimism and struggle: all expressions of life in a free society. According to sculptor Deborah Kass, "I created OY/YO thinking about the American promise of equality and fairness and our responsibilities to make the country a better place for all. With hate and division now on the rise, it is urgent to see our commonalities, what we share, and what brings us together."

Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Philadelphia, PA

11.04.22