MoMA | Fluxus Editions: 1962 to 1978

First announced during June 1964 in the fourth Fluxus newspaper, Fluxus cc fiVe ThReE, the Fluxkit encapsulates a collection of multiples and printed items by artists orbiting Maciunas and those who had contributed to festivals and events organized by the group since 1962. The retrofitted attaché case, initially advertised for the price of $100, was among the most elaborate of the Fluxus Editions produced, packed with small objects to be held in the hand, read and manipulated. The contents vary between each kit; however generally, Fluxus newspapers and announcements sit strapped inside the lid and the central compartment houses a built-in noisemaker by Joe Jones; Mieko Shiomi’s Endless Box, comprised of nested paper cubes; Ay-O’s Finger Box, harboring a tactile surprise inside; Alison Knowles’s study of the legume, titled Bean Rolls; and approximately a dozen additional works—several of them performance score cards—kept in latched plastic cases. Eager to distribute this anthology, Maciunas mailed an example to artist Willem de Ridder in Amsterdam during the summer of 1964, and it was offered among the inventory of the European Mail-Order Warehouse/Fluxshop De Ridder founded. (A photograph of this inventory can be seen on the introductory page of this website.) Fluxkits also appeared at performance venues, such as New York’s Carnegie Recital Hall, displayed with other Fluxus Editions for the audience to handle and purchase.

Selected components can be viewed in this slideshow.

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Fluxkit