Fluxus

Definition

Fluxus is an artistic movement that emerged in the 1960s, characterized by a focus on the process of art-making and the blurring of boundaries between art and everyday life. It emphasizes playfulness, experimentation, and collaboration, often incorporating performance and audience participation as key elements. This movement challenged traditional notions of art by prioritizing ideas and concepts over physical objects.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fluxus artists sought to create art that was accessible to everyone, breaking down elitist barriers associated with traditional art forms.
2. Key figures in the Fluxus movement included George Maciunas, Yoko Ono, and Nam June Paik, who each contributed unique ideas and performances to the movement.
3. Fluxus events often involved humor and absurdity, using everyday objects and actions as integral parts of the artwork.
4. The movement is known for its emphasis on collaboration, encouraging artists to work together across disciplines and share their ideas openly.
5. Fluxus has had a lasting impact on contemporary art practices, influencing performance art, installation art, and interactive works.

Review Questions

• How did Fluxus artists redefine the concept of art through their emphasis on process and collaboration?
  • Fluxus artists redefined art by shifting focus from traditional objects to the processes of creation and collaboration. They believed that art could be made by anyone and should involve the audience as participants rather than passive observers. This approach encouraged a more democratic view of art, where the experience and ideas behind the artwork became just as important as the final product itself.
• In what ways did the Fluxus movement draw from earlier artistic movements like Dada and how did it innovate upon those ideas?
  • The Fluxus movement drew inspiration from Dada's rejection of conventional aesthetics and its embrace of absurdity. However, while Dada often focused on negation and critique of society, Fluxus took a more playful approach by incorporating humor and everyday experiences into their work. This innovation resulted in a more collaborative environment that encouraged audience involvement, creating a sense of shared experience rather than just commentary.
• Evaluate the influence of Fluxus on contemporary performance art practices and how it continues to resonate in today's artistic landscape.
  • Fluxus has significantly influenced contemporary performance art by introducing concepts such as audience participation, interactivity, and the use of everyday materials in artistic expression. Its legacy can be seen in the way modern artists challenge traditional boundaries, engage with their audiences directly, and utilize humor or absurdity to address societal issues. This lasting impact demonstrates how Fluxus not only reshaped the understanding of art but also set the stage for future generations to explore new forms of creative expression.

Related terms

Happenings: Spontaneous performances or events that blur the line between art and life, often organized by artists to involve audience participation.

Intermedia: Artworks that combine multiple forms and media, challenging the distinctions between different artistic disciplines.

Dada: An avant-garde movement from the early 20th century that rejected traditional aesthetics and embraced absurdity and anti-art sentiments.