The Daily Book of Art

DAY 18

UNEXPECTED ART FORMS

Happenings

FROM THE ROUTINE TO THE SURREAL

 

To witness Wolf Vostell’s exhibit, spectators are led through an expanse of forest, following a meandering path in and out of the trees. They emerge into a clearing to find a swimming pool and tennis courts. Performers are hurling smoke bombs back and forth; some wear gas masks. Further down the path, the observers see an assemblage of television sets lying in beds.

 

This is a “happening.”

 

During the Fluxus movement of the 1950s, artists such as Vostell began to create participatory scenes for observers to experience. In the above-mentioned 1964 happening, entitled ...