Futurism, Happenings, Performances, Installations, etc.

When stripped to the barest bones, these three writings [The Founding and Manifesto of Futurism, Interview with Allen Kaprow (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Kaprow) and Performance Art: (some) Theory and (selected) Practice at the End of This Century] all essentially deal with performance art, including its variations, influences, practitioners, contributers and evolution. The first writing about futurism is an explanation of the birth of futurism and its principles, written in an authentically futurist manner. The other two writings are more reserved insights into the performing art world provided by insiders. I found the futurist view of museums to be particularly compelling. While I don't necessarily agree 100%, I think it's an intriguing point of view and sometimes find myself wondering whether fewer museums could make the works in them more important. At times, I think that the sheer multitude of museums (http://www.museumca.org/usa/alpha.html) isn't a testament to mankind's inability to distinguish valuable works from others and/or let go of the past. Something in which I have a harder time seeing legitimacy is the statement by Martha Wilson that artists have had little impact upon the political/social/economic/philosophical life of the twentieth century. I feel almost like this statement isn't worth arguing as there are many examples to its contrary. Primarily, all of the art discussed in any of these writings directly influences the curriculum at this very college (TCNJ), which consequently influences anyone involved with the program; basically releasing a group of students into society every year with the effects of these artists.  

http://youtube.com/watch?v=X402kBJv7mc&feature=related

futurism in the aughts: http://youtube.com/watch?v=1ioKLRa-yNk&feature=related