Happenings: New York, 1958–1963

The first exhibition to document the origins and historical development of the transient, yet pivotal “Happenings” movement from its inception in 1958 through 1963, when its originators abandoned or moved beyond it. The experimental performances forever changed the definition of art and the possi... Read more

The first exhibition to document the origins and historical development of the transient, yet pivotal “Happenings” movement from its inception in 1958 through 1963, when its originators abandoned or moved beyond it. The experimental performances forever changed the definition of art and the possibilities for what it could be. The show will capture more than thirty of the original Happenings and the contributions of the main participants—Jim Dine, Simone Forti, Red Grooms, Allan Kaprow, Claes Oldenburg, Lucas Samaras, Carolee Schneemann, and Robert Whitman. It will bring together for the first time more than 300 photographs by five photographers who witnessed and documented the performances, including many photos that have never before been seen publicly, as well as artworks created during and surrounding the performances, rare film footage, and original ephemera related to the Happenings’ production. The exhibition will be accompanied by a book with full-colored illustrations (304 pages, hardcover) published by The Monacelli Press and authored by Milly Glimcher.