Fluxus Resonances in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Recognised as one of the formative artistic practices after theSecond World War, Fluxus emerged in the 1960s comprising a diverse and dispersed international community of artists. Their works were bound by creative exchanges of found objects, mail art and instruction-based performances open to re-enactments by others. While Fluxus activities have been extensively studied in relation to Western Europe, North America and East Asia, this paper argues that Fluxus 'resonances', or parallel developments in practices and concepts, may be charted within Southeast Asian visual art and performative practices since the 1960s. Seen alongside Fluxus resonances across Latin America and Eastern Europe, a study of Fluxus in Southeast Asia reveals a performative 'translation' of ideas and practices which continue to survive in the work of artists such as Philippines-based Judy Freya Sibayan.