Benjamin Patterson

Place: Pittsburgh

Born: 1934

Death: 2016

Biography:

Benjamin Patterson, also known as Ben Patterson, was an American musician, artist, and one of the founders of the Fluxus movement. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on May 29, 1934, and died in Wiesbaden, Germany, on June 25, 2016.

Early Life and Education

Patterson studied contrabass, composition, and film direction at the University of Michigan from 1952 to 1956. Due to racial discrimination, he found it impossible to get a job at a symphony orchestra in the United States, so he started playing with Canadian orchestras.

Career

From 1956 to 1960, Patterson worked as a double bassist at the Halifax Symphony Orchestra, the US Army Seventh Army Symphony Orchestra, and the Ottawa Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1960, he moved to Cologne, Germany, where he became active on the contemporary music scene and participated in the first Fluxus Festival in Wiesbaden in 1962. Patterson was a founding member of Fluxus and played an integral role in organizing the early European Fluxus festivals.

Artistic Style

Patterson's artistic style is characterized by his use of sound and music as a medium for art. His work Message to Nam June Paik is a living Fluxsculpture that features a picture of a monkey looking at the outside from behind bars, attached to a small plastic box. This box, which is in fact empty, allows more freedom and imagination when you open it.

Legacy

Patterson's legacy as a musician and artist can be seen in his contributions to the Fluxus movement. He was a major contributor to the development of Black performance art in the United States and played an integral role in shaping the contemporary music scene in Germany. His work has been featured in various museums, including the Nam June Paik Art Center in South Korea.

• Patterson's work can be found on https://Wikioo.org/@/Benjamin-Patterson
• More information about the Fluxus movement can be found on https://Wikioo.org/Art.nsf/O/A@D3C5ZH
• Patterson's biography and artworks can be found on https://Wikioo.org/Art.nsf/Art_EN?Open&Query=benjamin+patterson,ben,patterson

to note that Patterson's work has had a significant impact on the development of contemporary music and art. His contributions to the Fluxus movement have paved the way for future generations of artists and musicians. In conclusion, Benjamin Patterson was a pioneering artist and musician who played a crucial role in shaping the Fluxus movement. His work continues to inspire and influence artists today, and his legacy can be seen in the many museums and galleries that feature his work.