An artistic style created by Allan Kaprow. To put it simply, it is an action painting in which the painting is removed and only the action is left. It owes much to the ideas of John Cage (chance, chance operation).
The work does not remain as a form. Only a photographic or other record of the moment of the action is left behind, and only the equipment and instruments used in the action are left at the location. In many cases, participants other than the artist are present, and many works are made possible by the presence of participants. Although there are general instructions, the work is left to the chance of the moment and is not as closely structured as a play or concert, but develops in a variety of ways depending on the situation on the spot.
Although Gutai's early activities greatly influenced later performance art, many of his early works were based on acts that preceded happenings.