Fluxus Study Day #3. Archivio Conz, Berlin: A Visual Essay

During the third Fluxus Study Day, the Activating Fluxus team had the privilege of collaborating with Archivio Conz, a Berlin-based research institution dedicated to showcasing, promoting, and researching the collection of Francesco Conz (1935-2010), a collector, publisher, curator, and friend of Fluxus artists. Archivio houses over 4,000 works by approximately 300 international artists associated with Fluxus, Concrete Poetry, and Lettrism. This particular Study Day revolved around the theme of “fetish,” in connection to Conz’s intriguing collection of fetish objects.

On the first day, the Activating Fluxus team had the opportunity to explore Archivio’s headquarters, including the “living room,” which serves as a space for exhibitions, events, talks, and collaborative initiatives in the spirit of a living archive. Guided by Hubertus von Amelunxen, Archivio’s director, and Mariamargherita Maceli, Head of Research Department, the team visited the storage area and delved into the extensive library. With the generosity of the Archivio team, they were able to examine works from the collection that held particular relevance to their collective and individual research interests. In the afternoon, the Activating Fluxus team, alongside the Archivio team and invited guests, participated in a collective exploration of pre-selected objects from the collection during the “Activation Roundtable.” The event aimed to foster a fresh perspective on objects within the broader Fluxus network, encouraging creative contemplation regarding their value, significance, potential uses, as well as reflecting on their pasts and futures.

The highlight of the second day of our visit to the Archivio was a public panel titled “Fluxus Fetish”. Distinguished speakers, including: Patrizio Peterlini (Fondazione Bonotto), Ayesha Fuentes (University of Cambridge), Horst Bredekamp (Humboldt University) and Clémentine Deliss (KW Institute) delved into the notion of “fetish” from the vantage point of their respective fields and expertise. The panel wrapped up with a vibrant exchange with the audience, which comprised numerous individuals from the expanded network of Fluxus stewards, researchers, and enthusiasts that arose from the activities of our team so far, and participants from the Archivio’s network including artists, curators, and scholars.

This visual essay documents key moments of our Fluxus Study Day(s). Video documentation of the “Activation Roundtable” is available upon request. Please contact us if you’re interested. Additionally, we’ll soon upload the recording of the public panel “Fluxus Fetish” to our YouTube channel.

Day#1. Learning about Archivio, getting to know the collection and the “Activation Roundtable”

Day#2. “Fluxus Fetish”

Featured photo: George Maciunas, Spice Box for Francesco Conz (1975). Archivio Conz, Berlin. Photo by: Giorgia Palmisano and Giulia Baresi / Archivio Conz.