Fluxus

Definition

Fluxus is an avant-garde art movement that emerged in the 1960s, characterized by a playful, experimental approach to art that blurs the lines between art and life. It embraced a variety of media including performance, music, and visual art, emphasizing spontaneity, collaboration, and the idea that art can be accessible to everyone.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fluxus artists believed that everyday life could be a form of art, leading to performances that often involved audience participation.
2. The movement is associated with key figures like George Maciunas, who played a central role in organizing events and publications.
3. Fluxus artworks often included instructions for the viewer to perform them, emphasizing the idea that art is a participatory experience.
4. The movement drew inspiration from Dada and Surrealism, using humor and absurdity to critique established norms in art and society.
5. Fluxus also significantly influenced the development of later performance art and video art, contributing to the exploration of new artistic forms.

Review Questions

• How did Fluxus challenge traditional notions of what constitutes art?
  • Fluxus challenged traditional notions of art by integrating everyday actions into artistic expression. It emphasized spontaneity and participation, suggesting that art could occur in any context rather than being confined to galleries. This approach redefined art as an experience shared between the artist and the audience, reflecting a belief that creativity is inherent in all aspects of life.
• Discuss the impact of Fluxus on performance art and how it contributed to its evolution.
  • Fluxus had a profound impact on the evolution of performance art by introducing interactive elements and breaking down barriers between performer and audience. The movement's emphasis on spontaneity and audience involvement laid the groundwork for later performance artists to explore personal narratives and social commentary. Additionally, Fluxus events often blurred the lines between different art forms, which encouraged future artists to experiment with multi-disciplinary approaches.
• Evaluate how Fluxus's principles influenced contemporary video art and its relationship with audience engagement.
  • The principles of Fluxus have significantly influenced contemporary video art by fostering an emphasis on interactivity and viewer participation. Artists began to see video not just as a medium for storytelling but as a platform for creating experiences where audiences could engage directly with the work. This shift reflects Fluxus's core belief in breaking down traditional hierarchies within art, allowing viewers to become active participants in shaping their own understanding and interpretation of the artwork.

Related terms

Intermedia: An artistic practice that combines multiple forms of media, breaking down traditional boundaries between art disciplines.

Happenings: Spontaneous, unstructured performances or events that engage the audience and challenge conventional ideas of art.

Conceptual Art: Art where the idea or concept behind the work takes precedence over traditional aesthetic and material concerns.