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Henry Flynt
29quotes
Henry Flynt
Full Name and Common Aliases
Henry Charles Flynt Jr.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: January 6, 1940, Died: March 8, 2022
Nationality and Profession(s)
American artist, musician, composer, poet, and writer. Flynt was a key figure in the American avant-garde movement of the 1960s.
Early Life and Background
Henry Flynt grew up in a family with artistic inclinations. His mother was a painter, and his father was a philosopher. This creative environment encouraged Flynt to explore various art forms from an early age. He began writing poetry at the age of seven and later developed a passion for music.
Major Accomplishments
Flynt's work spanned multiple disciplines, including visual arts, literature, and music. He co-founded the Fluxus movement with Robert Watts in 1961, an experimental art collective that sought to blur the boundaries between art forms. Flynt also contributed to various avant-garde publications, such as _The Little Review_.
Notable Works or Actions
Flynt's most notable contributions include his participation in the Fluxus movement and his work on "Liberation News Service," an underground news agency that disseminated alternative perspectives during the Vietnam War. His musical compositions often incorporated elements of free jazz, resulting in innovative sounds that defied traditional categorization.
Impact and Legacy
Flynt's innovative spirit and multifaceted artistic approach continue to inspire artists across various disciplines. The Fluxus movement he co-founded has had a lasting impact on modern art, while his commitment to social activism through music and literature paved the way for future generations of avant-garde thinkers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Flynt's pioneering work in multiple artistic fields, coupled with his unwavering dedication to pushing boundaries and challenging conventions, has cemented his place within the pantheon of American avant-garde figures. His tireless advocacy for creative freedom and social change continues to resonate with artists and activists today.
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As a pioneer of the Fluxus movement, Henry Flynt played an instrumental role in shaping the course of modern art. Through his diverse contributions as a poet, musician, composer, and artist, he left an indelible mark on American cultural landscape. His unwavering commitment to creative expression and social activism will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.
Quotes by Henry Flynt
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Since 'concepts' are closely bound up with language, concept art is a kind of art of which the material is language.
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When somebody says that all statements are false, the obvious problem is that as an assertion it’s self-defeating.
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I was a student at Harvard, and that’s where I learned about so-called avant-garde music. Jackson Pollock, abstract expressionism and painting were well known at this time.
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When I came to New York, I began to meet the people who became the most famous artists of our time. I was insecure about my own level of ability, I didn’t know whether I could compete with these people and, at the same time. I was wondering what is this anyway?
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Basically, I viewed any work of art as an imposition of another person’s taste, and saw the individual making this imposition as a kind of dictator.
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The purpose of concept art as a genre is to unbrainwash our mathematical and logical faculties.
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I became very angry about the fact that I'd been talked into going to these Cage concerts when I was in college, that I'd sat and tried to make myself like that stuff and think in those terms. I felt I'd been brainwashed, that it was a kind of damage to my sensibilities. I'm still mad about this.
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