Paik performing his “Fluxus Sonata #3”

Item Details

Italy, Pari editori & Dispari, 1974, 1975

Glossy gelatin silver print. Photograph by Peter Moore. SIGNED by Nam June Paik. SIGNED, titled, numbered and dated 6 24//75 by Charlotte Moorman. SIGNED, stamped, and dated 11/17/74 by Peter Moore. Stamped Pari editori & Dispari.  17 A.P./15 out of a 3 album edition- Charlotte Moorman Nam June Paik 1964-1974. 25 1/2 in x 19 5/8 (64.77 cm x 49.85 cm)

Nam June Paik was a prominent figure in Fluxus, a post-war avant-garde art movement that emphasized improvisation, spontaneity, and the deconstruction of traditional art forms. Embracing a spirit of experimentation and collaboration, Fluxus artists challenged the established norms of art and music. Although Paik did not specifically compose a work titled "Fluxus Sonata #3" in the traditional musical sense, he did produce a series of performance pieces and artworks that incorporated elements of Fluxus and action music. His creations often featured unconventional instrumentation, including prepared pianos and modified television equipment, which pushed the boundaries of musical performance and challenged traditional notions of music.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Peter Moore (1932-1993) was the photographer of record for the documentation of the avant-garde art scene in downtown New York. He is recognized for his photographs of dance and theater performances as well as the ephemeral events of the Fluxus movement including performances by George Maciunas, Allan Kaprow, Nam June Paik, Joan Jonas, Charlotte Moorman among many others.