Who first used the term 'happening' in the art context?

The term 'happening' was first introduced in the context of art by Allan Kaprow in the late 1950s. Kaprow's concept of happenings was pivotal in the development of performance art, where he sought to blend art, life, and spontaneity into experiences that engaged the audience directly. He believed that art should not be confined to traditional galleries but should occur in everyday settings, involving the audience as participants rather than mere spectators. This innovative approach transformed how art was perceived, emphasizing the process and experience over the final product.

While other artists like Marina Abramovic, Chris Burden, and Yoko Ono have made significant contributions to performance and conceptual art, they did not coin the term 'happening' as part of the artistic lexicon. Instead, they have expanded on the ideas that Kaprow introduced, exploring various forms of performance that engage with the audience in unique ways.