Born: July 20, 1932, Seoul, South Korea
Died: January 29, 2006, Miami, Florida, USA
Nationality: Korean-American
Style: Video Art, Fluxus, Performance Art
Influences: John Cage, Joseph Beuys, television
"Technology is a tool. It's up to the artist to use it creatively."
Notable Artwork
Electronic Superhighway: Continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii (1995)
About Nam June Paik
Born: July 20, 1932, Seoul, South Korea Died: January 29, 2006, Miami, Florida, USA Nationality: Korean-American Style: Video Art, Fluxus, Performance Art Influences: John Cage, Joseph Beuys, television Major Exhibitions: “Electronic Superhighway: Continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii” (1995), “Exposition of Music - Electronic Television” (1963), “TV Buddha” (1974) Quote: “Technology is a tool. It’s up to the artist to use it creatively.”
Notable Artwork: Electronic Superhighway: Continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii (1995)
This large-scale video installation consists of a map of the United States outlined in neon lights, with each state filled with multiple television screens showing video clips associated with that state. The work is a vibrant and overwhelming representation of American culture and the impact of technology on communication.
Significance
Paik is considered the “father of video art.” Electronic Superhighway is a landmark work that foresaw the rise of the internet and the information age. It captures the speed and density of information flow in modern society and explores the relationship between technology, culture, and national identity.