Nam June Paik (1932-2006) was a Korean-born American multimedia artist. He apparently holds the particular lofty title of “first video artist” (Wikipedia). I recently came across his work and have been in awe of it ever since. TV Buddha (1974) particularly caught my eye; I’d love a copy of the photo.
Nam June Paik
01.26.2011
I helped install the ‘TV Buddha’ piece at an exhibition last year. The camera stopped working, and it was intimidating to troubleshoot an a/v piece ostensibly worth more than a house.
The museum electrician had no such qualms though, and we got it working. Great piece from a fascinating artist.
You should definitely check out some of his experimental music as well. I think you can find some on ubu.com.
I have to say that the ‘Buddha TV’ piece is really great…
Amazing video artist. I love the concept about “Zen For Film”. I’ve wrote an article for it.
Amazing post, Scott.
This artist was in the ‘Bozar’ a few years back. It was amazing. Since then I started following him. I really recomend seeing his work if you get the chance.
I recall seeing this exhibit as a teenager at the Guggenheim in NYC. I was fascinated by all the interesting patterns the TV’s made when they were exposed to the different magnets.
I recall thinking to myself, “If this is art…the sky is the limit for me”.
The third image above, titled in this post as “tv-magnet,” is stunning in person. I thought I had experienced a Nam June Paik exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art but after reading Joel’s post it may have been the Guggenheim.
Buddha TV is on display at the Temporary Stedelijk in Amsterdam now. Exhibition is not great though