Paik Nam-june is internationally recognized as the "Father of Video Art."
The now-deceased Korean artist created a large body of work including video sculptures, installations,
performances, videotapes and television productions.
He had a global presence and influence, and his innovative art and visionary ideas continue
to inspire a new generation of artists.
Lee Jiwon sheds light on Paik Nam-june... for our Culture Spot tonight.
It may look humble, but this small crumbling Korean-style home once housed the father of
video art, Paik Nam-june.
The house in Changsin-dong, northeastern Seoul, is where Paik spent his childhood before leaving
for college in Japan.
The Seoul Museum of Art is working to renovate the property into a memorial hall that will
show Paik's beginnings...
before he became an artist.
Once renovated, the memorial hall will showcase Paik's early life and art using sound, video,
pictures and writings.
There will also be a physical diorama with three-dimensional works, describing his experiences
in the neighborhood.
"Many of Paik's works are exhibited at museums and exhibition halls.
But by showing the story of his life through this memorial hall, we hope visitors will
gain a better understanding of his background and installations."
The renovation project is part of events to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Paik's passing
this year, but the museum opened the house for a ceremony on Wednesday to mark another
occasion -- his birthday.
Paik Nam-june is a Korean video artist who used a variety of media in his work, creating
never-before-seen artworks.
He was recognized as the founder of video art at his big debut exhibition in 1963,...
and gained further renown when he began working with cellist Charlotte Moorman, creating works
that combined video, music and performance.
Paik was also known for making robots out of radio and television sets, installing video
and sound to put emotions on technology.
One of Paik's most representative works is "Turtle," a supersized video installation
made with 166 TV monitors.
The giant turtle reflects Paik's use of architectural and sculptural elements that have become hallmarks
of his works.
It is also an expression of the artist's thoughts on combining nature and technology.
The work can now be seen in Korea at the Paik Nam June Show at Dongdaemun Design Plaza,
which also features 99 other works... and gives a fuller picture of Paik's artistic
range.
The exhibition, organized by Gallery Yeh, starts with his electronic sculptures of robots
commemorating the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution and includes drawings he
made when he developed dementia.
"Many people in Korea think Paik Nam-june's works are eccentric and hard to understand.
But through the exhibition, we wanted to tell them they are actually more accessible than
they might appear.
In fact, he uses found objects.
I hope visitors will enjoy the artistic values and philosophy embedded in his media art."
The global visionary artist's works are also on display at the Nam June Paik Art Center
in the city of Yongin.
"Paik himself helped establish the center, which opened in 2008.
The facility is an archive of Paik's artworks and installations with exhibits and screenings
as well as classes that teach people about his artworks and theories."
Also known as "The House Where Nam June Paik Lives Long," in a nickname given by the artist
himself, the center is another place where visitors can learn about the visionary artist's
artistic values and ideas.
The center offers seminars and education programs exploring different interpretations of Paik's
works and allowing students to practice his "spiritual heritage" of creativity.
And it's these practices, the exhibitions and interpretations of his work, that have
imprinted Paik Nam-june on the collective memory as Korea's best media artist.
Lee Ji-won, Arirang News.