1. Origins of Fluxus
Fluxus emerged in the early 1960s as a radical avant-garde art movement that blurred the boundaries between art, performance, and everyday life. It was influenced by the Dada movement of the early 20th century, as well as the ideas of John Cage and his experiments with chance and indeterminacy in music. The term “Fluxus” was coined by George Maciunas, a Lithuanian-born artist and architect who played a central role in organizing and promoting the movement.
2. The Philosophy of Fluxus
At its core, Fluxus was a rejection of traditional art forms and beliefs, advocating for a new way of thinking about art that challenged established norms. The movement aimed to break down the barrier between art and life, fostering a sense of spontaneity, playfulness, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Fluxus artists believed in the democratization of art, creating works that were accessible to a broad audience and often challenging the distinction between artist and spectator.
3. Intermedia and Anti-Art
One of the key aspects of Fluxus was its embrace of intermedia, which involves the blending of different art forms and disciplines. Fluxus artists incorporated elements of performance, music, visual arts, poetry, and even everyday objects into their works. This approach reflected the anti-art sentiment within the movement, as Fluxus sought to break free from the traditional boundaries and hierarchies of the art world.
4. Fluxus Manifesto and Events
The Fluxus movement was characterized by its rejection of formal manifestos or dogmas, instead favoring a more open and experimental approach to art. However, there were some guiding principles outlined in the Fluxus Manifesto, written by George Maciunas. Fluxus also organized a series of events known as “Fluxus festivals” or “Fluxfests,” which brought together artists from various disciplines to present their work and collaborate on new projects.
5. Key Figures of Fluxus
Fluxus was a highly collaborative movement that involved numerous artists from different backgrounds and countries. Some of the key figures associated with Fluxus include George Maciunas, Yoko Ono, Nam June Paik, Dick Higgins, Joseph Beuys, and Ben Vautier. Each artist brought their unique perspective and artistic vision to Fluxus, contributing to the rich and diverse tapestry of the movement.
6. Fluxus Scores and Happenings
Fluxus scores were a form of instructional or conceptual art that served as a blueprint or guide for creating Fluxus performances or actions. These scores could take the form of written instructions, graphic notations, or even verbal prompts. Fluxus happenings, on the other hand, were spontaneous performances or events that often involved audience participation. They blurred the lines between art and life, encouraging people to become active participants rather than passive observers.
7. Influence on Contemporary Art
Despite its relatively short-lived existence, Fluxus had a profound impact on contemporary art and continues to influence artists today. Its rejection of the traditional boundaries of artistic disciplines, emphasis on intermedia, and focus on audience participation laid the groundwork for subsequent art movements like performance art, conceptual art, and relational aesthetics. Many contemporary artists draw inspiration from Fluxus’s spirit of experimentation and its commitment to challenging established conventions.
8. Fluxus Collections and Exhibitions
The legacy of Fluxus lives on through the preservation and display of its artworks in various collections and exhibitions around the world. Museums such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Tate Modern in London house extensive Fluxus collections, showcasing the movement’s artistic achievements. These exhibitions provide an opportunity to experience firsthand the innovative and boundary-pushing works of Fluxus artists.
9. Fluxus Revivals and Performances
Despite the fact that Fluxus as a movement formally ended in the 1970s, its ideas and practices are still celebrated and revisited through Fluxus revivals and performances. Fluxus-inspired events, festivals, and exhibitions continue to take place globally, engaging contemporary artists to explore and reimagine the principles of Fluxus in new and exciting ways. Such events provide a platform for artists to create interdisciplinary works, promote audience participation, and challenge the established norms of the art world.
10. Further Resources and References
If you’re interested in delving deeper into Fluxus, here are some useful resources and references:
– The Fluxus Reader: Edited by Ken Friedman and Owen Smith, this comprehensive book provides an in-depth exploration of Fluxus with a collection of key texts, manifestos, scores, and interviews.
– “The Fluxus Performance Workbook”: Written by Fluxus artist Ken Friedman, this workbook serves as a practical guide for creating Fluxus performances, offering insights and advice based on his firsthand experience.
– Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): MoMA’s website offers a wealth of information on Fluxus, including archived materials, images, and exhibition histories.
– The George Maciunas Foundation: The foundation’s website provides an overview of George Maciunas’s life and work, as well as access to resources related to Fluxus.
– “A Year from Monday: New Lectures and Writings” by John Cage: This collection of John Cage’s writings delves into the experimental aspects of art and music that influenced Fluxus.
Exploring these resources will take you on a fascinating journey into the world of Fluxus and deepen your understanding of this important and influential art movement.
