Ben Patterson is considered one of the most important protagonists of Fluxus and Black performance art. His works often reflect his personal experiences of marginalization and discrimination, addressing issues such as social inequality, racism and politics. Inspired by the obstacles he faced, Patterson used his creative expression to challenge societal norms and spark critical conversations about pressing social issues. Best known for his performance work, Patterson expanded his practice to include works on paper, assemblage, installation, video and sculpture. His collages explore themes such as urban poverty and homelessness and provocatively juxtapose urban landscapes with depictions of hardship, forcing the viewer to confront uncomfortable realities.

Ben Patterson (born in Pittsburgh, USA, in 1934, died in Wiesbaden, Germany, in 2016) is a versatile artist recognized for his involvement in Fluxus. He received a Bachelor’s degree in music at the University of Michigan and performed as a double bassist before relocating to Europe. There he engaged in both artistic creation and arts administration, managing a variety of music, theatre, and dance companies. Despite his influential role in the Fluxus movement, Patterson faced challenges in receiving recognition, particularly in his native United States. His first major museum exhibition, “Born in the State of Flux/us”, held at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston in 2010, marked a significant moment in his career, sparking a series of subsequent exhibitions.