Fluxus & me
What is it that inspires me? What nonsense? Why are you here?
Wool and Water by Jessica Piazza (Another poet I worship)
These are the winter wanderer's fetters.
Sopping stocking snowbound march.
The sky's arch-menacing gunmetal-
threatens; nemesis and staunch.
It keeps you miles away, this weather.
Like you never loved me much.
What is Dada? Why is Dada?
You have to ask.
Art is a million things. One has to live way beyond the estimated life of the universe for the universe to start making sense and for art to ‘get a definition’ that isn’t vague or legged pegged in infinite directions in sub-art spaces. I am now drowning in my research that involves Dada poetics and contemporary influences that have ingrained the spirit of Dada. And what a drowning it is….
Art and artists are infinite. Ever lived? Ever dreamt?
The term "Fluxus" refers to both an artistic movement considered avant-garde and a community of artists that share a common purpose of experimenting with, challenging, and going against the grain of conventional art and cultural mores. The word "intermedia" has also been used to characterize the artists who participated in the movement and their intentionally weird and counter-cultural worldview. Fluxus was "the most revolutionary and experimental art movement of the 1960s," according to Harry Ruhé.
Fluxus is intermedia.
Fluxus works are simple.
Fluxus is fun.
They produced remarkable "events" that comprised performances of scores, noise music from the "Neo-Dada" genre, and works based on time, in addition to concrete poetry, visual art, urban planning, architecture, design, literature, and publishing. There are a great number of artists who are associated with the Fluxus movement who have a common tendency to oppose commercialism and traditional ideas of art. "Intermedia" is a phrase that is sometimes used to describe Fluxus.
I have been immersed in researching the Dada movement because of the Art History seminar I am studying. A movement that has become a defining momentum in my work has also made my art realize that it requires me to be open to ideas, perceive truths as I encounter them, and discern my path in working with mixed media or virtual arts. Right now, I am devouring two books that have cracked my brain open: Art and Anti-Art by Hans Richter and The Dada Poets Anthology, a classical book with much to offer. I am also reading poetry books every other day—Yoko Ono : To the Light, Fantastic Art, Dada, Surrealism, The Lives of the Muses : Nine Women & the Artists They Inspired, An Audience of Artists : Dada, Neo-Dada, and the Emergence of Abstract Expressionism, Looking at Dada, Dada and Surrealism : A Very Short Introduction, The Photomontages of Hannah Höch. Most of it revolves around Yoko Ono because, why not? She is refreshing.
It is refreshing to pick up a book, order it, and read it—talk about it or not—keep to yourself or not—become something or someone. or not.
In Iowa, the silence in the winter is alarming. I feel alive because I have traversed many eras and periods of art movements during my art history seminar studies. I have been infused with adrenaline.
We wouldn’t have civilizations if we didn’t create groups. We are designed to form groups, and the only way to define a group is there has to be someone who’s not in it—The Washington Post
Everyone belongs in Dada.
My journey now is to find the how.
“Chocolate” by Audrey Brown
I broke their code ages ago; they aren’t as subtle as they think they are. Her raised eyebrow means “Don’t eat one, they’re for later.” His smirk means “But you know you love me.” A yelp, muffled laughter, he walks away triumphant, she smiles and wipes chocolate off her lips. I smile too.
List of Links you should not miss
My following newsletter will contain memories from AWP 2024, which I enjoyed attending in Kansas City, thanks to a grant I received. I wrote this newsletter while listening to Raghav - Desperado (feat. Tesher)
And listening to a few audiobooks on Libro.fm
A really enjoyable read, Shalini, thank you.
Yes, Yoko is definitely refreshing and as you probably already know, was one of the women of Fluxus. Loved 'Grapefruit' and I have almost finished reading, 'Between The Sky And My Head', which was an extensive guide accompanying one of her exhibitions.
A fascinating world that I love diving into again and again. Thank you for keeping it alive!
Engaging read as always, Fluxus to me is like pure darkness. For me darkness isn't the absence of light (that's so cliche) pure darkness is when light cannot exist