Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Happenings were artistic events popularized in the 1960s that blurred the boundaries between art and life. They often involved spontaneous performances or installations where viewers became active participants rather than passive observers.
Related terms
Performance Art: Performance art is an artistic practice that involves live actions performed by artists in front of an audience. It can include elements of theater, dance, music, and visual arts.
Fluxus: Fluxus was an international collective of artists who embraced interdisciplinary practices and rejected traditional notions of art. They created artworks that challenged established norms through humor and unconventional approaches.
Installation Art: Installation art refers to artworks created for specific spaces or environments. It often incorporates various materials and can transform entire rooms into immersive experiences for viewers.