7.1 The Fluxus Movement: Philosophy and Key Figures

The Fluxus Movement shook up the art world in the 1960s, blending different art forms and challenging traditional ideas. It was all about making art accessible, interactive, and part of everyday life. Artists rejected commercialism and embraced chance and collaboration.

Fluxus performances were wild and unpredictable, often involving audience participation. Artists created simple instructions for art pieces, made portable art kits, and used everyday objects in new ways. Key figures like George Maciunas, Yoko Ono, and Nam June Paik pushed boundaries and redefined what art could be.

Fluxus Philosophy

Core Principles and Influences

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• Fluxus emerged as an international network of artists, composers, and designers in the 1960s
• Anti-art movement rejected traditional artistic values and commercial art world practices
• Neo-Dada approach drew inspiration from earlier Dada movement's irreverence and absurdism
• Intermedia concept blurred boundaries between different art forms and media
• Indeterminacy incorporated chance and randomness into artistic creation process

Artistic Practices and Concepts

• Emphasized process over finished product in artistic creation
• Promoted collaborative and participatory art experiences
• Challenged notion of artist as singular genius or authority
• Explored everyday objects and experiences as valid artistic material
• Sought to break down barriers between art and life

Social and Political Dimensions

• Advocated for democratization of art and accessibility to wider audiences
• Critiqued consumer culture and capitalist values through artistic interventions
• Embraced playfulness and humor as tools for social commentary
• Encouraged DIY ethos and non-professional approaches to art-making
• Fostered international networks and collaborations among artists

Fluxus Performances

Happenings and Interactive Events

• Happenings consisted of loosely structured, often improvised performances
• Blurred lines between performers and audience members
• Incorporated multiple sensory experiences (visual, auditory, tactile)
• Often took place in non-traditional venues (streets, parks, private homes)
• Emphasized unpredictability and spontaneity in artistic expression

Event Scores and Instructional Pieces

• Event scores provided written instructions for performances or actions
• Ranged from simple, everyday tasks to complex, absurdist scenarios
• Allowed for multiple interpretations and realizations of the same score
• Challenged traditional notions of musical composition and notation
• Emphasized conceptual aspects of art over technical skill or virtuosity

Flux Boxes and Multiples

• Flux boxes contained collections of small objects, printed materials, and instructions
• Served as portable exhibitions and interactive art experiences
• Challenged traditional art market by producing affordable, mass-produced objects
• Encouraged audience participation and manipulation of contents
• Reflected Fluxus philosophy of art as accessible and integrated into daily life

Key Fluxus Artists

Founders and Organizers

• George Maciunas functioned as primary organizer and theorist of Fluxus movement
• Coined term "Fluxus" and organized first Fluxus festivals in Europe
• Published Fluxus manifestos and designed distinctive graphic style for publications
• John Cage influenced Fluxus through his experimental music and chance-based compositions
• Taught influential class at New School that inspired many future Fluxus artists

Innovative Performers and Conceptual Artists

• Yoko Ono created pioneering conceptual and performance works
• Developed "instruction paintings" and interactive installations (Cut Piece)
• Nam June Paik pioneered video art and experimental television
• Explored intersection of technology, music, and performance (TV Buddha)
• Dick Higgins coined term "intermedia" to describe Fluxus approach
• Created "danger music" scores and published experimental poetry and essays

International Fluxus Contributors

• Alison Knowles produced event scores and performances focused on everyday actions
• Created large-scale installations and interactive book objects (The Big Book)
• Ben Vautier known for provocative performances and text-based works
• Signed objects and people as artworks, challenging notions of authorship
• Mieko Shiomi composed event scores and mail art projects
• Explored spatial and temporal aspects of performance in Spatial Poems series