ARTsBirthday

January 17 is the Birthday of ART! You’re invited to our annual celebration, where you’ll create your own ARTsBirthday collage postcard inspired by Fluxus Art. Keep your finished piece as a souvenir or mail it to someone special.

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The Fluxus art movement, born in the early 1960s, stands as a radical departure from traditional artistic norms. Originating in the United States, Fluxus sought to break down the barriers between art and life, challenging conventional definitions of what art could be. The movement was characterized by its interdisciplinary nature, embracing a wide range of artistic forms, including performance, music, visual arts, and literature. Fluxus artists aimed to create a new kind of art that was accessible, participatory, and often injected with a sense of humor and absurdity.  

Robert Filliou, a French artist and one of the founding members of Fluxus, played a pivotal role in shaping the movement's ethos. His works often incorporated everyday objects and playful concepts. Notably, Filliou introduced the concept of "Art's Birthday," celebrating the idea that art was born when someone first dropped a dry sponge into a bucket of water. This notion epitomizes the whimsical and innovative spirit that Fluxus artists embraced.  

George Maciunas, a Lithuanian-born American artist, was a driving force behind Fluxus. He formulated the movement's guiding principles, emphasizing anti-art, anti-commercialism, and the rejection of traditional boundaries. Maciunas was responsible for organizing early Fluxus festivals and coined the term "Fluxus" itself. His influential Fluxus Manifesto outlined the movement's aims, emphasizing a fusion of art with life and society.  

Joseph Beuys, a German Fluxus artist, expanded the movement's scope by introducing the concept of "social sculpture." He believed that everyone could be an artist, and art could be a catalyst for social change. Beuys's works often involved unconventional materials, and his performances explored the intersection between art, politics, and human experience.  

Yoko Ono, a Japanese artist, musician, and peace activist, became an integral part of Fluxus. Her conceptual and interactive artworks challenged traditional notions of art. One of her iconic pieces, "Cut Piece," invited the audience to cut away pieces of her clothing, emphasizing vulnerability and shared responsibility. Ono's contributions to Fluxus and her subsequent solo career have left an indelible mark on contemporary art.  

Nam June Paik, a Korean-American artist, is often regarded as the father of video art. His innovative use of technology and media in Fluxus performances laid the groundwork for the development of video as an art form. Paik's works blurred the lines between technology, sound, and visual art, influencing the trajectory of multimedia art in the decades to come.  

John Cage, although not strictly a Fluxus artist, had a profound impact on the movement, especially through his collaborations with Fluxus members. A pioneering composer, Cage's exploration of chance and silence in music resonated with Fluxus principles. His collaborations with artists like Yoko Ono and Nam June Paik enriched the movement's experimentation with sound and performance.  

Alison Knowles, an American Fluxus artist, was known for her interactive and interdisciplinary works. Her piece "Make a Salad" involved the audience in the creation and consumption of a salad, turning a routine activity into a participatory art experience. Knowles's innovative use of everyday objects and her focus on audience engagement embodied Fluxus ideals.  

Shigeko Kubota, a Japanese-American artist, made significant contributions to Fluxus and is considered a pioneer in video art. Her works often combined technology with personal and poetic elements, reflecting Fluxus's spirit of experimentation and its exploration of the intersection between art and technology.  

Ben Vautier, a French Fluxus artist, was known for his provocative and often humorous works. His use of text, symbols, and everyday objects challenged conventional artistic practices. Vautier's contributions to Fluxus extended beyond visual art, as he explored conceptual art and engaged with philosophical ideas in his work.  

You, a Fluxus artist based in Port Moody, had embodied the spirit of innovation and boundary-breaking that defines the Fluxus movement. Your creative contributions have made a meaningful impact on the art world, aligning with the ethos of Fluxus to challenge traditional norms and redefine artistic expression. Your involvement in this celebration not only adds vibrancy to the event but also underscores the continued relevance of Fluxus ideals in fostering unconventional and transformative art experiences. Your innovative works continue to inspire artists and resonate with those seeking unconventional and participatory artistic experiences. We look forward to showcasing your innovative works and celebrating your role as a dynamic force in the Fluxus legacy during this momentous occasion at PoMoArts.