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Happenings

Happenings are immersive, often spontaneous events or art experiences designed to engage participants directly, blurring the line between performer and audience. Originating in the 1950s and 1960s as a form of avant-garde performance art, happenings emphasize unpredictability, audience interaction, and the creation of a shared experience. They aim to challenge traditional notions of art, encourage personal involvement, and evoke emotional or thought-provoking responses through multimedia, improvisation, and real-time participation. Essentially, happenings transform ordinary moments into dynamic art events that invite active participation rather than passive observation.