1931 - 1978 Latvian born American avant-garde artist, graphic artist

Early in his career he promoted the emergence of SOHO in Greenwich Village as an area for artists in the late 50's, early 60's. He banded together independent artist into co-ops so they could buy old buildings and thus become free from the problem of paying rent.

Many give him credit for creating the Fluxus movement. Very prolific, making thousands of pieces. He was tireless, had a great sense of humor and did a great deal of Performance Art and Installation Art.

In 1961, he was the first person to use the term "Fluxus" in print. He sent out an invitation for an exhibition at the AG Gallery, noting on the invitation that the $3.00 cover charge was to be used for publishing Fluxus magazine.

George went on to be spiritual leader of the movement, keeping in communication with artists all over the world including:

He was responsible for "publishing" many documents important to the group, including what came to be known as "multiples". These were pieces of art of which multiple copies were produced, sometimes a printed item, like a set of cards. Other times including physical objects, such as the "Fluxus Suicide Kit."

His work is in the permanent collection of:

Sources: Friedman, Ken, Editor, "The Fluxus Reader", John Wiley and Sons, West Sussex, 1998. Bonito Oliva, Achille - Gabriella De Mila - Claudio Cerritelli (eds.): "Ubi fluxus ibi motus 1990-1962", Mazzotta, Milano, 1990 Hendricks, Jon, "Fluxus Codex", Harry N. Abrams, NY, 1995. Kellein, Thomas, "Fluxus", Thames and Hudson, London, 1995. Williams, Emmett and Noel, Ann, (Eds.), "Mr. Fluxus: A Collective Portrait of George Maciunas 1931- 1978", Thames and Hudson, London, 1997. Last Updated 07.06.03

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