Fluxus

Definition

Fluxus is an avant-garde art movement that emerged in the 1960s, characterized by its focus on the process of art-making rather than the final product. It emphasized intermedia practices, merging different art forms like music, visual art, and performance, often incorporating chance and audience participation. Fluxus challenged traditional notions of art by promoting a spirit of playfulness and experimentation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fluxus artists often created works that were ephemeral, focusing on the experience of art rather than the physical object itself.
2. The movement was closely associated with figures like George Maciunas, who played a significant role in organizing Fluxus activities and publications.
3. Fluxus events often included simple instructions for participation, emphasizing accessibility and breaking down barriers between artist and audience.
4. The term 'Fluxus' comes from the Latin word for 'flow,' reflecting the movement's dynamic nature and emphasis on change.
5. Influence from Eastern philosophies, particularly Zen Buddhism, can be seen in Fluxus works, which often embraced simplicity and spontaneity.

Review Questions

• How did Fluxus redefine traditional concepts of art and the role of the artist?
  • Fluxus redefined traditional concepts of art by emphasizing process over product, shifting focus from creating finished artworks to engaging in experiential activities. Artists became facilitators rather than mere creators, encouraging audience participation and interaction. This movement blurred boundaries between different art forms and everyday life, challenging established norms about what constituted 'art' and who could be considered an 'artist.'
• Discuss how Fluxus incorporated elements of performance and audience participation into its practices.
  • Fluxus embraced performance as a core element of its artistic practice, often organizing events known as happenings where audience members could actively participate. These events were designed to be spontaneous and inclusive, breaking down the barrier between performer and viewer. By inviting audiences to engage with art in real-time, Fluxus transformed the experience of art into a collaborative endeavor that emphasized communal involvement and creative play.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Fluxus on contemporary art practices and movements.
  • The lasting impact of Fluxus on contemporary art is significant as it laid the groundwork for various movements that prioritize process, collaboration, and interdisciplinary approaches. Modern performance art, installation pieces, and participatory artworks often reflect principles established by Fluxus artists. By challenging conventional notions of authorship and redefining artistic value, Fluxus continues to influence artists today who seek to engage audiences in meaningful ways while exploring new forms of expression.

Related terms

Intermedia: Art that exists between and combines different media, allowing for fluidity and cross-disciplinary exploration.

Happenings: Performance art events created by artists in the 1960s, involving spontaneous actions and audience interaction, blurring the line between art and life.

Dada: An early 20th-century art movement that embraced absurdity and anti-art sentiments, influencing Fluxus's rebellious approach to traditional art.