Destruction in Art Symposium
The Destruction in Art Symposium (DIAS) was a gathering of a diverse group of international artists, poets, and scientists to London, from 9–11 September 1966. Included in this number were representatives of the counter-cultural underground who were there to speak on the theme of destruction in art.
The Honorary Committee, led by Gustav Metzger, attracted the attention of both the international media and international art community to the symposium.[1]
Event
The symposium was held at the Africa Centre in Covent Garden, London.
Objectives
A DIAS press release claimed:
| “ | The main objective of DIAS was to focus attention on the element of destruction in Happenings and other art forms, and to relate this destruction in society. | ” | |
| — DIAS[1] | |||
Happenings
Throughout September, Happenings took place in venues all over London.[1]
The laws of England
John Latham constructed three large "Skoob Towers" out of books, which they called "The laws of England", and set fire to them outside of the British Museum.
Honorary Committee
- Mario Amaya
- Roy Ascott
- Enrico Baj
- Bob Cobbing
- Ivor Davies (artist)
- James Haynes (known as Jim Haynes)
- Sylvester Houédard
- Barry Miles
- Frank Popper
- John J. Sharkey
- Wolf Vostell
- Gustav Metzger (Honorary Secretary)
Participants
The following artists were involved in DIAS:
- Gustav Metzger
- Al Hansen
- Ralph Ortiz
- Wolf Vostell
- John Latham
- Robin Page
- Yoko Ono
- Günter Brus
- Otto Mühl
- Hermann Nitsch
- Peter Weibel
- Juan Hidalgo
- Henri Chopin
The following artitsts are said to have participated in DIAS in absentia:[2]
- Ivor Davies
- Pro Diaz
- Fred Hunter
- Barbara Steveni
- Jasia Reichardt
- Werner Schreib
- John Sharkey
- Biff Stevens
- Garry A. Jones
Photographers:
- Tom Picton
- John Prosser
- Hanns Sohm (collector)
See also
References
- 1 2 3 Destruction in Art Symposium, Art & The 60s: This was Tomorrow, Tate Britain, retrieved 2006-08-30.
- ↑ Gustav Metzger DIAS, Media Art Net, retrieved 2006-08-30.