Happenings Page 3

As the leading figure in the happenings movement, Kaprow is an important person to understand. His main influences were the abstract painter Jackson Pollock and the avant-garde composer John Cage. The profound work of Kaprow's idols gave him the drive to test the limits of art. His intent was clearly stated in the invitation that was sent out for 18 Happenings, "you will become part of the happenings; you will simultaneously experience them" (129).

In fact, Kaprow's intent was pushed to full tilt as he designated the visitors to the Rueben Gallery in New York as part of the cast in the program notes. 18 Happenings was quite successful and eagerly sought out by a trendy culture looking for something new. Most likely, the trendiness of happenings is what helped give it the momentum that it maintained throughout the 1960's. Kaprow devoted himself throughout this period to establishing the happening as a legitimate and viable form of art.

While happenings were unique in their form and their intent, they were not without their own influences. The roots can be drawn as far back as the early nineteen hundreds and the Dadaist movement. The "anti-aesthetic" approach of the Dadaist movement can easily be seen in happenings. Happenings also owe credit to Brecht and his Verfremdung-theory. Also known as the alienation affect, this was the attempt to distance the audience from emotional involvement in the play.

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