Fluxus

Definition

Fluxus is an art movement that emerged in the early 1960s, emphasizing the interconnectedness of art and life through performances, events, and the use of everyday materials. It sought to break down barriers between high art and popular culture, promoting spontaneity and collaboration as essential elements in artistic expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fluxus artists believed that art should be accessible to everyone and rejected the elitism often associated with traditional art forms.
2. The movement is known for its playful and irreverent approach, utilizing humor and absurdity to engage audiences in unexpected ways.
3. Fluxus was heavily influenced by Dadaism and the ideas of John Cage, particularly the concept of chance operations in music and art.
4. Key figures in Fluxus included George Maciunas, Yoko Ono, Nam June Paik, and Dick Higgins, who all contributed to its innovative practices.
5. The Fluxus Manifesto called for a merging of art and life, urging artists to create works that were not just objects but experiences that could be shared with others.

Review Questions

• How did Fluxus challenge traditional notions of art and its relationship with everyday life?
  • Fluxus challenged traditional notions of art by blurring the boundaries between art and life. Artists emphasized spontaneous performances and used everyday materials to create works that engaged audiences directly. This approach promoted the idea that art could be experienced rather than simply observed, encouraging participation and collaboration over passive consumption.
• In what ways did Fluxus artists incorporate elements from other movements like Dadaism into their work?
  • Fluxus artists incorporated elements from Dadaism through their use of absurdity, humor, and found objects. Much like Dadaists who sought to challenge societal norms through provocative works, Fluxus artists created interactive events that rejected conventional artistic boundaries. This connection reinforced the notion that art could be a playful exploration rather than a serious endeavor.
• Evaluate the impact of Fluxus on contemporary performance art and multimedia installations today.
  • The impact of Fluxus on contemporary performance art and multimedia installations is profound. By advocating for the integration of everyday life into artistic expression, Fluxus laid the groundwork for later movements that embraced interactivity and audience involvement. Today’s performance artists often draw from Fluxus principles by creating immersive experiences that invite viewers to engage actively with the artwork, blurring the line between creator and spectator. Furthermore, the emphasis on multimedia elements in contemporary installations reflects Fluxus's influence on how art can encompass diverse forms and mediums.

Related terms

Happenings:

A form of performance art that originated in the 1950s, where artists created spontaneous, interactive events that blurred the line between audience and performer.

Neo-Dada:

An art movement that emerged in the late 1950s, characterized by the use of found objects, absurdity, and a playful attitude toward traditional artistic conventions.

Performance Art:

A live art form that combines various artistic disciplines, including theater, dance, and visual arts, often emphasizing the ephemeral nature of the experience.