Exhibition schedule: Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College: April 16-August 7, 2011; Grey Art Gallery, New York University: September 9-December 3, 2011; University of Michigan Museum of Art: February 25-May 20th, 2012.

George Maciunas was the founder and leader of a radical and experimental art movement of the 1960s known as Fluxus--which rejected traditional high art to practice an extraordinary form of anti-art. Maciunas attempted to rule Fluxus in totalitarian fashion, yet he laughed at himself and called forth laughter in others. This biography reveals the story of an unorthodox, contradictory, and elusive genius. 107 illustrations.

"Eminently readable and extremely meaningful. The contributors tackle essential questions about the relationship of art and life. The book is also very timely, offering a way to approach Buddhism through unexpected channels."--Lynn Gumpert, Director, Grey Art Gallery, New York University

A biography of this leading member of the Fluxus movement. George Maciunas (1931-1978) established strangely radical modes of presentation in the name of Fluxus. In his view the bulk of the conventional art business--museums, theaters, concert halls, opera houses, and publishers--should cease to exist. Traditional works of art were to be replaced by Fluxus. Art was to be so uncomplicated that it could be realized by anyone, anywhere. New pieces would have their copyrights protected and would be available for the price of a paperback. Maciunas was a staunch opponent of personal enrichment and came up with spartan solutions for almost every life situation. Despite his tireless efforts, he never achieved his ultimate goal, and he died impoverished and in miserable circumstances. 100 duotone illustrations.

What happens when nothing happens?

Part I. Three histories : Developing a fluxable forum: Early performance & publishing / Owen Smith -- Fluxus, fluxion, flushoe: the 1970's / Simon Anderson -- Fluxus fortuna / Hannah Higgins -- Part II. Theories of Fluxus: Boredom and oblivion / Ina Blon -- Zen vaudeville: a medi(t)ation in the margins of Fluxus / David T. Doris -- Fluxus as a laboratory / Craig Saper -- Part III. Critical and historical perspectives: Fluxus history and trans-history: competing strategies for empowerment / Estera Milman -- Historical design and social purpose: a note on the relationship of Fluxus to modernism / Stephen C. Foster -- A spirit of large goals: fluxus, dada and postmodern cultural theory at two speeds -- Part IV. Three Fluxus voices : Transcript of the videotaped Interview with George Maciunas -- Selections from an interview with Billie Maciunas / Susan L. Jarosi -- Maybe Fluxus (a para-interrogative guide for the neoteric transmuter, tinder, tinker and totalist) / Larry Miller -- Part V. Two Fluxus theories : Fluxus : theory and reception / Dick Higgins -- Fluxus and company / Ken Friedman -- Part. VI-- Documents of Fluxus : Fluxus chronology : key moments and events -- A list of selected Fluxus art works and related primary source materials -- A list of selected Fluxus sources and related secondary sources.

Fluxus was an art movement of the 1960s and 70s that set out to abolish the canonized art idioms of the day. Pioneers of Conceptual Art and Minimalism, the Fluxus artists were known for their environments, performance art and mass-producible objects. This book is a study of the Fluxus movement.