The Act of Drinking Beer with Friends Is the Highest Form of Art

Tom Marioni

American, b. 1937

The Act of Drinking Beer with Friends Is the Highest Form of Art, 1970–ongoing

Participatory artwork performed at the Smart Museum of Art, February 15, March 1, April 5, May 3, and June 7, 2012; and installation including bar, chairs, free beer, refrigerator, table, vinyl lettering, and the three following works listed.

Courtesy the artist.

An Aid to Communication, 1999/2012
Bottles and wood
Courtesy the artist

Golden Rectangle Beer, 2004
DVD (color, silent, 16:16 minutes) and audio track (variable length)
Courtesy the artist

Out of Body Free Hand Circle, 2012
Graphite on prepared wall
Courtesy the artist

Conceptual artist Tom Marioni has made a forty-year-long artwork that is all about the importance of convivial spirits and good company. Most Wednesdays since 1970, Marioni has convened a private gathering of friends who hang out, talk, and drink beer in his studio. The project began in 1970 as an after-hours performance at the Oakland Museum of Art; in addition to Marioni’s ongoing salon nights it has been restaged at museums around the world. For Feast, “The Act of Drinking Beer with Friends Is the Highest Form of Art” takes the form of this bar-like installation complete with a new wall drawing by Marioni; the space will come to life with a Free Beer event hosted by guest bartenders.