New Book on Alison Knowles Examines Fluxus Pioneer's Elusive Life
Lauren Moya Ford reviews 'Performing Chance: The Art of Alison Knowles In/Out of Fluxus' by Nicole L. Woods (2026), the only book dedicated to the artist who died six months ago. Ford questions whether understanding the work requires understanding the artist, as Knowles's personal life remains mysterious despite the author's efforts. The article also highlights Ed Simon on Hans Holbein's portraits, Melissa Holbrook Pierson on Jan Staller's photographs of Manhattan construction sites, and Leigh Raiford's exploration of a Black Panther family album from her new book, which she will discuss with Salamishah Tillet at the Studio Museum in Harlem on May 17 at 4pm. Additional reads include James Gibbons on Dick Higgins and Edward M. Gómez on Charlotte Moorman.
Key facts
- Alison Knowles is considered the 'first woman' of Fluxus.
- She died six months before the article's publication.
- The only book on Knowles is 'Performing Chance: The Art of Alison Knowles In/Out of Fluxus' by Nicole L. Woods (2026).
- Lauren Moya Ford reviews the book for Hyperallergic.
- Ed Simon writes about Hans Holbein's portraits.
- Melissa Holbrook Pierson reviews Jan Staller's 'Manhattan Project: Photographs' (2025).
- Leigh Raiford discusses her new book on a Black Panther family album at the Studio Museum in Harlem on May 17 at 4pm.
- The article is part of a newsletter by associate editor Lakshmi Rivera Amin.
Entities
Artists
- Alison Knowles
- Hans Holbein
- Jan Staller
- Dick Higgins
- Charlotte Moorman
Institutions
- Hyperallergic
- Studio Museum in Harlem
Locations
- Manhattan
- New York City
- Harlem