Fluxus

Definition

Fluxus is an avant-garde art movement that emerged in the 1960s, characterized by a blend of visual art, music, and performance that emphasized spontaneity and the interactivity between artists and audiences. This movement challenged traditional boundaries of art by promoting the idea that art can be a process or an event rather than a static object, encouraging participation and engagement from viewers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fluxus artists sought to break down the barriers between different art forms, merging visual art with music, poetry, and performance.
2. The movement was heavily influenced by Dadaism and emphasized humor and absurdity as key components of artistic expression.
3. Fluxus events often included everyday materials and actions, challenging the notion of what could be considered art.
4. Key figures in the Fluxus movement included George Maciunas, Yoko Ono, and Nam June Paik, who contributed significantly to its development.
5. Fluxus has had a lasting impact on contemporary art practices, influencing later movements such as conceptual art and participatory art.

Review Questions

• How did Fluxus artists redefine the concept of art during the 1960s?
  • Fluxus artists redefined the concept of art by emphasizing the process over the finished product, viewing art as an event or experience rather than a static object. They encouraged audience participation, blurring the lines between creator and spectator. This radical approach challenged traditional notions of artistic value and aesthetics, paving the way for more interactive forms of artistic expression.
• What are some key similarities and differences between Fluxus and Happenings?
  • Both Fluxus and Happenings involve audience participation and blur the lines between life and art. However, Happenings are typically more structured events with a specific duration and script, while Fluxus emphasizes spontaneity and often incorporates humor. Fluxus artists aimed for simplicity in their work using everyday materials, whereas Happenings could include elaborate setups and choreography. Overall, both movements contributed significantly to performance art.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Fluxus on contemporary art practices and how it has influenced modern artistic movements.
  • The long-term effects of Fluxus on contemporary art are profound, as it challenged established norms and expanded the definition of what constitutes art. Its focus on participation has influenced modern artistic movements such as participatory art and social practice, where engagement with audiences plays a central role. Additionally, Fluxus' embrace of humor and absurdity paved the way for conceptual artists to explore complex themes through unconventional means. Ultimately, Fluxus opened up new pathways for innovation in artistic expression that continue to resonate today.

Related terms

Happenings: Spontaneous, often interactive performances that blurred the lines between art and life, where audiences became part of the artwork.

Installation Art: A three-dimensional work designed to transform a viewer's perception of a space, often incorporating various materials and media.

Performance Art: A live artistic presentation that combines various elements such as body movement, sound, and visual art, with the artist’s body often serving as the medium.