Robert Watts

Watts provided an important link between Fluxus and Pop Art, his activities more influential than cursory awareness might suggest. The ex-engineer Watts and the industrial chemist Brecht met regularly at a chain restaurant to discuss ideas, Kaprow often present too (Brecht sought Watts out having seen a show of his work). The two organised the seminal Yam Festival, a series of happenings and other events on Segal’s farm; Segal and Lichtenstein were friends as well as teaching colleagues at Rutgers. Maciunas and Watts were responsible for starting the phenomenon of artists’ lofts in SoHo, with Watts the first (illegal) tenant.