How do the Fluxus and Happening Art movements compare in terms of their use of audience participation and anti-art?

The Fluxus and Happening art movements were two of the most influential art movements of the 1960s, and both made significant contributions to the use of audience participation and anti-art in modern art. While there are many similarities between the two movements, there are also some important differences that set them apart.

Fluxus was a loosely organized group of artists who rejected the commercialization of art and sought to create art that was accessible to all. Fluxus artists were known for their use of humor, irony, and absurdity in their work, and they often used found objects and everyday materials to create their art. One of the most important aspects of Fluxus was its emphasis on audience participation, which was seen as a way to break down the barriers between art and life. Fluxus events were often highly interactive, and audience members were encouraged to become active participants in the creation of the artwork.

Happening art, on the other hand, was a more structured and theatrical form of art that was often designed to shock and challenge audiences. Happenings were typically staged performances that incorporated elements of theater, dance, and music, and they often included audience participation in the form of improvisation and group activities. Unlike Fluxus, Happenings were often carefully choreographed and rehearsed, and they were intended to be experienced as a unified work of art rather than a series of individual experiences.

Despite these differences, both Fluxus and Happening art shared a commitment to the idea of anti-art, which was seen as a way to challenge the traditional boundaries of art and to create new forms of artistic expression. Both movements were also highly influential in the development of performance art, which continues to be an important form of artistic expression today.