Archivio Conz

Karl Rieder (1945,Vienna, Austria – 2018 Vienna, Austria) was an influential Austrian artist whose work spanned multiple forms, including performance, installation, and conceptual art. He became an integral figure within the Fluxus movement, a group that emphasized the interconnectivity between art and life. Rieder's innovative approaches to sound, language, and human interaction placed him at the forefront of avant-garde art, aligning his practice with like-minded artists such as Joseph Beuys, Nam June Paik, and George Maciunas. Throughout his career, Rieder exhibited in numerous international galleries and museums, contributing to the Fluxus legacy. His work was showcased in prominent exhibitions in Europe and the United States, including events in Vienna, London, and New York. He also worked closely with Francesco Conz, a key figure in Fluxus, in pushing the boundaries of art by creating objects and performances that blurred the lines between life and art, questioning the conventional structures of both. Rieder's pieces often involved participation from the audience, turning the traditional artist-spectator relationship upside down. His work embraced a playful yet critical attitude towards art-making, utilizing everyday objects, sounds, and gestures as mediums. Karl Rieder passed away in 2018 in Vienna, Austria, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence contemporary conceptual and performance art. His contributions to Fluxus and avant-garde art continue to resonate within the broader global art community.