Happenings

A precursor of performance art, they are events or situations where the artwork is created by the conditions produced by the event. Happenings emerged out of the theatrical elements of Dada and surrealism and were associated with the Fluxus group in the 1950s and ’60s. They typically took place within the space of the gallery and incorporated light, sound and projections. The term was coined by artist Allan Kaprow and was a significant precursor to performance art. Notable artists include Allan Kaprow, John Cage, Claes Oldenburg, Carolee Schneemann and Dick Higgins.