ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Lucas Samaras Performed in Claes Oldenburg's Circus at Reuben Gallery in 1961

artist · 2026-04-22

In February 1961, artist Lucas Samaras participated in Claes Oldenburg's performance piece titled "Circus: Ironworks/Fotodeath" at the Reuben Gallery in New York. The event was documented by photographer Robert R. McElroy, whose image of Samaras in the performance carries licensing through VAGA in New York. This historical moment from the early 1960s avant-garde scene was recorded on artcritical.com on March 11, 2012. The performance represents a significant intersection of two major artistic figures during a formative period for contemporary art.

Key facts

  • Lucas Samaras performed in Claes Oldenburg's "Circus: Ironworks/Fotodeath"
  • The performance occurred in February 1961
  • The event took place at the Reuben Gallery in New York
  • Robert R. McElroy photographed the performance
  • McElroy's image is licensed by VAGA, New York
  • The information was posted on artcritical.com on March 11, 2012
  • The performance involved multiple artists collaborating
  • This was part of Oldenburg's early performance works

Entities

Artists

  • Lucas Samaras
  • Claes Oldenburg
  • Robert R. McElroy

Institutions

  • Reuben Gallery
  • VAGA
  • artcritical.com

Locations

  • New York
  • United States

Sources