Event scores

Definition

Event scores are a type of instruction or score that outlines a sequence of actions, often created as part of the Fluxus movement in the 1960s. These scores serve as a blueprint for performances or happenings, emphasizing participation and interaction rather than traditional artistic techniques. They challenge the boundaries between art and life, promoting spontaneity and experimentation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Event scores originated from the Fluxus movement as a way to democratize art by making it accessible for anyone to perform.
2. They often use simple language and everyday actions to create performances, focusing on the experience rather than the final product.
3. Notable figures like George Maciunas and Yoko Ono were instrumental in developing event scores as part of their artistic practices.
4. Event scores can vary widely in complexity, from straightforward instructions to more abstract concepts that encourage improvisation.
5. The concept of event scores has influenced contemporary performance art and participatory practices, making it a lasting legacy of the Fluxus movement.

Review Questions

• How did event scores contribute to the goals of the Fluxus movement?
  • Event scores were essential to the Fluxus movement as they embodied its principles of accessibility, spontaneity, and interactivity in art. By providing simple instructions for performances, they invited anyone to engage with art-making, breaking down barriers between artist and audience. This focus on participation aligned with Fluxus's aim to integrate art into everyday life, making art a communal and experiential activity rather than an exclusive endeavor.
• In what ways do event scores challenge traditional notions of artistic creation and performance?
  • Event scores challenge traditional notions by emphasizing process over product and inviting non-artists to participate in art-making. Unlike conventional art forms that rely on skilled techniques or finished products, event scores focus on the actions involved in the performance. This approach encourages spontaneity and experimentation, blurring the lines between artist and audience, and ultimately redefining what constitutes art.
• Evaluate the impact of event scores on contemporary performance art and participatory practices.
  • Event scores have significantly impacted contemporary performance art by inspiring artists to create works that prioritize audience involvement and interaction. Many current artists draw on the principles established by Fluxus, utilizing simple instructions that allow for improvisation and personal expression. This legacy is evident in various participatory practices today, where the audience's role is crucial in shaping the outcome of an artwork, reflecting an ongoing dialogue about creativity and collaboration in the art world.

Related terms

Fluxus: An international art movement that emerged in the 1960s, characterized by a focus on experimental and interdisciplinary art forms, often merging visual art with performance.

Happenings: Spontaneous and interactive events that involve audience participation, often blurring the lines between performer and spectator.

Score: A set of instructions or guidelines used in performance art that dictate how a piece is to be enacted, similar to a musical score but often more open to interpretation.