Nam June Paik

Nam June Paik

Nam June Paik (1932–2006) is often described as the father of video art. Working across television, performance, installation, and sculpture, he radically expanded what art could be in the electronic age. Trained in music and inspired by avant-garde figures such as John Cage and Karlheinz Stockhausen, Paik approached technology with both playfulness and provocation.

From his early experiments with magnetically “distorted” TV sets to immersive multi-screen environments, Paik treated electronic media not as a neutral transmitter but as a material in itself—capable of abstraction, disruption, and poetry. His 1963 exhibition Exposition of Music – Electronic Television is considered a landmark, transforming the gallery into a space alive with sound, moving images, and participation.

Paik coined the phrase “electronic superhighway” in 1974, anticipating how global communications and networks would reshape human experience. His works often combine Buddhist philosophy, humour, and political critique, questioning the cultural power of broadcast media while also embracing its potential for connection.

Paik’s influence extends far beyond the field of video art. He opened new ground for artists exploring technology, performance, and interactivity, leaving behind a legacy that feels even more urgent in today’s digital landscape.