Fluxus Fetish: Fluxus Study Day and public panel

“Fluxus Fetish” is part of a two day Fluxus Study Day hosted by the Archivio. On November 2, we plan an activation of a Fluxus Cabinet, which is closed to the public. On November 3, we are organising a public panel centred around the idea of a Fetish Tisch (English: “Fetish table”), featuring selected objects from the collection and responses from invited speakers: Horst Bredekamp (Humboldt University), Clémentine Deliss (KW Institute) , Ayesha Fuentes (University of Cambridge, and Patrizio Peterlini (Fondazione Bonotto). The panel will be introduced by Hubertus von Amelunxen, director of the Archivio.
Fluxus Fetish
The term “fetish” encompasses a range of meanings depending on the context in which it is being used. It begins with an object believed to possess magic, protective or assisting powers, often regarded with reverence and intense devotion, marked by preoccupation and emotional attachment. In some cases, the term “fetish” has been used to describe intense devotion or veneration of a specific object or idea within a group or cult-like setting. This can involve rituals, ceremonies, or practices centered around the fetish. It also takes on a modern connotation associated with sexual fetish and gratification, representing an object of fixation – a body part, an object, or activity that goes beyond what is considered typically normative. Finally, and in a broader sense, a fetish can refer to any object, idea, or activity to which a person develops an unusually strong and obsessive attachment or devotion. This can manifest in various ways, such as collecting specific items, fixating on certain topics, or engaging in particular behaviours repeatedly.