Fluxus Movement

Definition

The Fluxus movement was an avant-garde art movement that emerged in the 1960s, characterized by its focus on intermedia, where different art forms blend together, and its emphasis on the process of creation over the final product. It sought to challenge traditional art conventions, often incorporating elements of performance, music, and everyday life, promoting the idea that art should be accessible and part of daily experiences. This movement significantly influenced how artists approached exhibition spaces, integrated music into their installations, fostered globalization and cultural exchange, and addressed the concepts of re-installation and re-creation in art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fluxus was founded by George Maciunas in 1961 and was inspired by Dadaism and other avant-garde movements.
2. The movement encouraged artists to use everyday materials and actions in their work, making art more democratic and relatable to the public.
3. Fluxus artists often collaborated across disciplines, blurring the lines between visual art, performance, and music.
4. The impact of Fluxus can be seen in how contemporary installation art embraces non-traditional exhibition spaces to engage audiences in immersive experiences.
5. Re-installation of Fluxus works has become an important aspect of preserving the movement's legacy while also allowing for reinterpretation in new contexts.

Review Questions

• How did the Fluxus movement influence the use of non-traditional exhibition spaces in contemporary art?
  • The Fluxus movement redefined the use of exhibition spaces by promoting participatory and interactive experiences over traditional gallery formats. Artists began using unconventional venues such as streets, theaters, and public spaces to engage broader audiences. This shift encouraged a more immersive approach to viewing art, where viewers could interact with works and become part of the artistic process, reflecting Fluxus's core belief that art should be an accessible part of everyday life.
• In what ways did music play a role in the Fluxus movement's approach to installation art?
  • Music was integral to the Fluxus movement as it blurred boundaries between artistic disciplines. Many Fluxus artists incorporated live performances or sound elements into their installations, transforming them into multi-sensory experiences. This emphasis on intermedia allowed for a dynamic interaction between visual and auditory components, making installations more engaging and reflective of everyday life, while also challenging traditional ideas about what constituted an artwork.
• Evaluate how Fluxus facilitated globalization and cultural exchange among artists during its peak.
  • Fluxus fostered globalization and cultural exchange by connecting artists from various countries and backgrounds through shared ideals of accessibility and collaboration. The movement's international exhibitions and events allowed diverse practices and philosophies to converge, encouraging artists to incorporate influences from different cultures into their work. This cross-pollination not only enriched individual artistic expressions but also contributed to a broader dialogue about art's role in society during a time when global communication was rapidly evolving.

Related terms

Intermedia:

A term used to describe artworks that exist between established media categories, often combining elements of different disciplines like visual arts, performance, and music.

Happenings:

Spontaneous, event-like performances created by artists in the 1960s, which were a significant part of the Fluxus movement and often included audience participation.

Conceptual Art: An art movement where the concept or idea behind the artwork is more important than the physical artifact itself, closely aligned with Fluxus's principles.