Fluxus: Art as Life and the Spirit of Play
Fluxus was an international, interdisciplinary network of artists, composers, and designers in the 1960s and 70s. It was characterized by a strong “do-it-yourself” attitude and a rejection of the commercial art world.
The Philosophy of Flux
Fluxus artists believed that art should be accessible to everyone and that there should be no distinction between art and life. They emphasized the process over the finished product, often creating “Event Scores”—simple instructions for performances that anyone could follow.
Key Characteristics
- Intermedia: Blending different artistic media (music, poetry, visual art) into a single experience.
- Humor and Satire: Using wit to challenge the seriousness of high art.
- Fluxkits: Small boxes containing various objects, games, and instructions, designed to be mass-produced and shared.
Leading Figures
George Maciunas was the primary organizer, alongside influential figures like Yoko Ono, Nam June Paik, and Joseph Beuys.