Milan Knížák is a Czech artist, musician, and political figure whose contributions to the avant-garde art scene have been significant and varied. Born on April 19, 1940, in Pilsen, Czech Republic (then part of Czechoslovakia), Knížák is best known for being a key member of Fluxus, an international network of artists, composers, and designers noted for blending different artistic media and disciplines in the 1960s.

His work in music is particularly noteworthy due to his concept of "Broken Music," where he uses damaged or destroyed records to create new, experimental sound compositions. This idea is encapsulated in his important releases such as "Broken Music" and its thematic successors "Broken Re/Broken" and "Broken Tracks." Knížák's approach to music reflects his broader artistic philosophy that sees beauty and value in the imperfect and the discarded. His pieces like "Another State of Stagnation" and "Aktual Univerzita" further demonstrate his commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging conventional aesthetics. Even in the realm of classical music, his "String Quartets" provide a unique interpretation, contributing to the rich tapestry of contemporary composition. Throughout his career, Knížák has remained an influential figure not only in the music sphere but also in performance art, painting, and as a professor and intellectual.