Styles & Periods

Styles & Periods

Happenings

Happenings are staged entertainment, often improvisational, in which the artist choreographs and participates in a show with visual, musical and theatrical elements. These shows are not rehearsed, and can occur at any venue, such as a supermarket, a park, a warehouse, an apartment or any other conceivable spot. Happenings became an extension of Pop Art, in their varied media and integration of life and art. There was a desire in the 1960s to combine theater with art, and to bring everyday events and occurrences into the realm of art. This was a conscious rejection of tradition in art, which had dictated subject and means of expression and presentation. Performance art is closely related to Happenings; however, Happenings imply spontaneity and a lack of apparent direction. The presence of a visual artist as performer, rather than actor, influenced the emphasis on the visual elements rather than story or character development. The pioneer of Happenings was artist Allan Kaprow, who staged the first public Happening at a New York City gallery. His teacher was composer John Cage, a proponent of chance governing the outcome of artwork. Other artists who participated in Happenings include Jim Dine, Claes Oldenburg, Robert Rauschenberg and Yayoi Kusama. Outside of America, members of the Gutai Group in Japan, and the Fluxus Group in Germany also staged Happenings.


Feeling inspired? Try out these fine products…

From $1.69

Americana Acrylic Paints

by DecoArt

All-purpose craft paint

From $2.62

Round Aluminum Mixing Trays

by Stanrite

Easy clean-up every time

At Least 34% Off

Up to 38% Off

Mini Softaqua Mop Brushes

by Savoir-Faire

State of the art synthetic watercolor brushes!

From $1.89

Up to 40% Off

Woodless Graphite Drawing Pencil Sets

by Pacific Arc

Convenient woodless pencil sets
Latest Product Reviews
Van Gogh are some of the very finest student colors out there. Paired with Mr. Art's lightning-fast shipping, its an unbeatable combination.
- AZ in Oklahoma City, OK
I previously stored the ink pads in one of my drawers upside down, but really needed the room so I had to find another solution. I've seen this many times before but never gave it much thought. I ordered five of them as my Distress inks collection is not huge (yet ;) and I was really, really happy to be able to see what I have AND have them neatly stored. As much as I love them, they are a bit bulky and will take up a bit of real estate. They stack very nicely, one on top of the other. I think this is smart storage.
- JenG in Michigan
The colors are just as pictured on the website. I am very well pleased with packaging, delivery and the best price. This product is used in the activities room in a resort. We create message in a bottle. Children and adults are thrilled with their souvenir.
- Joanna M. in Virginia Beach, Va.
Free Download for Kids

Download free coloring book pages Download FREE coloring
book pages to color at
home or school.

View Pages »