Lecture on George Machunas and the Fluxus Movement

Introduction

• George Machunas planned a Lithuanian cultural magazine called Flexus in 1960 in New York.
• The magazine transformed into the Fluxus art movement over four years.

Development of Fluxus

• Fluxus became a group of artists challenging traditional art concepts.
• In 1990, original Fluxus artists reunited in Venice for a Biennale show.

A.G. Gallery and Early Fluxus Events

• The A.G. Gallery, originally on Madison Avenue, was a venue for early Fluxus events.
• Unique performances included obstructing entry with balls.

Key Figures in Fluxus

• Dick Higgins: Composer and poet working across art forms.
• Emmett Williams: Poet and printmaker with a history in Europe.
• Ben Patterson: American Fluxus artist involved since 1962.
• Philip Corner: Musician experimenting with diverse sounds.
• Yoko Ono: Associated with Fluxus with a focus on future-oriented thoughts.

Fluxus Performances & Concepts

• Emphasis on brevity and surprise in performances, e.g., George Brecht’s piano piece.
• Challenges to art institutions and their rigid definitions.
• Machunas was a key organizer but not a collaborative leader.

Philosophy and Impact of Fluxus

• Fluxus sought to change the rules of the art game.
• Emphasis on "non-art" and life events as art (e.g., drinking a glass of water).
• Aimed to blend art with life beyond institutional confines.
• The role of humor and simplicity (e.g., gags) in Fluxus art.

Legacy and Influence

• Machunas’s vision for Fluxus included collectivism and anonymity over individualism.
• Fluxus challenged both traditional art and avant-garde norms.
• Later became an anti-establishment force, though it struggled to transcend art-life boundaries.
• The humor and defiance in Fluxus have inspired both nostalgia and criticism.

Personal Accounts

• Various artists recount their personal journeys with Fluxus, highlighting the diversity within the movement.
• Dick Higgins's reflections on the fusion of art forms leading to his involvement with Fluxus.
• George Brecht’s minimalistic and impactful pieces.

Conclusion

• Fluxus made a significant impact by challenging artistic norms and influencing cultural change.
• The movement remains a subject of discussion and reinterpretation in contemporary art circles.