Introduction

“Fluxus in the Swamp” Brings Experimental Art to Santa Fe College Gallery

“Fluxus in the Swamp” Brings Experimental Art to Santa Fe College Gallery

A close-up of two hands holding large broken piano keys.

August 21, 2024 – The Santa Fe College Gallery presents “Fluxus in the Swamp” from Sept. 6 to Oct. 20, at the Northwest Campus, 3000 NW 83 Street, Gainesville. The opening reception, also on Sept. 6, will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Gallery.

A free performance of “Piano Aktivitys as a Disciplind Destruktshun (A Piano Work’t),” originally created by composer and Fluxus artist Philip Corner, will take place from 2 to 5 p.m., just before the reception. The performance will be held in the Lyceum Concert Hall, located a short distance from the Gallery.

This and all SF Gallery events are free and open to the public.

Emerging in the 1960s and gaining international influence, Fluxus is an experimental art movement that combines various artistic forms and blurs the boundaries between art and everyday life. Fluxus artists take a playful, open-minded approach, using everyday objects and actions to create unconventional works that challenge traditional art concepts and encourage interactive experiences for viewers.

In 2010 and 2014, Fluxus artist Benjamin Patterson named his tours through Florida and Georgia “Fluxus in the Swamps.” This exhibition explores both the enduring legacy of Fluxus and its unique influence in Florida.

Fluxus performer and author Billie J. Maciunas, PhD, and artist and UF Associate Professor Sean Miller present new and classic Fluxus pieces, as well as works by artists inspired by Fluxus:

  • AY-O
  • Björk
  • George Brecht
  • Craig Coleman
  • Philip Corner
  • Chiaozza
  • Roz Crews
  • Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt
  • Robert Fillou
  • Ken Friedman
  • Guerilla Girls
  • Bibbe Hansen
  • Edgar Heap of Birds
  • Geoff and Bici Hendricks
  • Jenny Holzer
  • Connie Hwang​
  • Alison Knowles
  • Jess Larson
  • George Maciunas
  • Jack Massing
  • Sean Miller
  • Yoko Ono
  • Benjamin Patterson
  • Tom Sachs
  • Takako Saito
  • Mieko Shiomi
  • Ben Vautier
  • Robert Watts
  • Mark Mothersbaugh and Beatie Wolfe
  • Andrew Yang

“We are extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such esteemed artists and voices within the history of art, and to be able to share their fascinating work with our students,” Brynna Palmer, SF Gallery Manager said. “I hope this show will inspire our students in a way which propels their studies and personal art practices forward and encourages them to define their own unique voices through artmaking.”

This event is sponsored by the Santa Fe College Art Gallery.