Fluxus Experience

I knew her husband Dick who was part of my "Group 21`2 Inter Media" residential project in Woodstock, 45 bedroom funky discarded resort, perfect, Google "Group 212 " and my web site for my Fluxus life <robert john liikala.com> our 212 archive is with the Woodstock Historical Society, Laticia Smith curator, there are docs with pixs of Higgins and Kaprow.

If you're looking for an interesting overview of Fluxus with color illustrations, this is not your book. The format is small paperback, 8" x 6", writing is in dry academic style that may put you to sleep, and the photos are few, small, grainy, and black & white. I am even disappointed with the cover of the book, which plastic coating started delaminating within weeks of receiving the book.

Still the best book on Fluxus, of those written by the next generations. The author is the daughter of two Fluxus artists. Offers a concise highly motivated narrative of the “experience” side of Fluxus, and decentres the movement from the central figure of George Maciunus. According to George Brecht there was no central doctrine they all pledged to, so it seems fitting that that the Charismatic central figure should only be taken but so seriously, even if he was instrumental in establishing that there even was a group called “Fluxus.”Of note is chapter comparing the “movement” to other 1960s “isms” - draws a nice contrast to what made them unique and not so unique - as well as the chapter seeking an art pedagogy based on Fluxus artmaking - the author is a professor after all, and points out that some of the Fluxus artists, as well as Allan Kaprow (the non Fluxus guru of Happenings) also taught. Very refreshing effort to bringing learning back to direct experience and the capacity for art-making that we all share.In summary, this book paints a picture of Fluxus art-makers as closely intertwined with many other art makers on three continents during the 60s, with no one figure standing out - it’s a people’s view of the movement, as told from an art-historian and daughter of the arts’ lens.Also of note on this movement is Natilee Harren’s recent work “Fluxus Forms: Scores, Multiples, and the Eternal Network.”

This book is probably the best "first resource" for learning about, and understanding Fluxus. Hannah Higgins had the unique experience of growing up as the daughter of two Fluxus luminaries, Dick Higgins and Allison Knowles. But in addition to having the advantage of a front row seat to the Fluxus experience, she has also written a thoughtful and well-researched book. The book contains some nice illustrations, and has a very readable, flowing narrative. While the writing style is not overly academic, it is also not a "coffee table" or picture book, and readers not used to college level language may find it difficult.The Fluxus Experience gives George Maciunas due respect as a founder of Fluxus, and as the man who gave Fluxus its name - but Hannah's unique perspective gives much more credit (deservedly) to artists like Dick Higgins who continued to keep Fluxus vibrant and alive after Maciuanas died in 1978.I would recommend this book to anybody interested in learning more about what Fluxus was, what Fluxus contributed to the world's creative culture, and how Fluxus continues to influence artists around the world today.