Fluxus

Fluxus was an international, interdisciplinary community of artists, composers, designers, and poets during the 1960s and 1970s who engaged in experimental art performances which emphasized the artistic process over the finished product. Fluxus artists blended different artistic media and disciplines in their work. They were influenced by Dada's emphasis on art as an anti-artistic and anti-establishment cultural phenomenon, and shared an anti-commercial and anti-art sensibility. Fluxus is known for its experimental contributions to different artistic media and disciplines and its pioneering of conceptual art.

History

Fluxus was initiated by Lithuanian-American artist George Maciunas in New York City in the early 1960s. Maciunas was a central figure in the group, which included artists such as Yoko Ono, Nam June Paik, George Brecht, and Joseph Beuys. The movement was inspired by a variety of sources, including John Cage's experimental music, which emphasized chance, improvisation, and the use of everyday sounds. Fluxus artists were known for their use of simple, everyday materials and their inclusion of the audience in the creation of the artwork.

Philosophy

The philosophy of Fluxus was characterized by a strong sense of anti-commercialism, a rejection of traditional art forms, and the promotion of artistic experimentation. Fluxus artists sought to bring art into the realm of everyday life, and to break down the barriers between art and life. They believed in the concept of art as a process or an activity, rather than as a physical object to be admired. This philosophy was reflected in their diverse works, which ranged from performance art to poetry, and from music to visual arts.

Key Works and Events

Fluxus was known for its "events," which were often simple, performative actions or situations meant to blur the lines between art and life. One of the most famous Fluxus pieces is Yoko Ono's "Cut Piece," in which audience members were invited to cut pieces from her clothing while she sat on stage. Another notable work is Nam June Paik's "TV Buddha," which featured a Buddha statue watching its own live image on a television set. Fluxus events were often documented in "Fluxkits," which were small boxes containing objects and instructions for performances or experiences.

Legacy

The legacy of Fluxus is evident in its influence on later artistic movements such as conceptual art, performance art, and video art. Its emphasis on the process of art-making and its challenge to traditional notions of art have had a lasting impact on the art world. Fluxus showed that art could be made from anything, by anyone, and could happen anywhere. The movement's playful and provocative works continue to inspire artists today.