WRO Art Center, ul. Widok 7, 50-052 Wrocław
Poland
25 November 2008 - 25 January 2009
In Poland, Nam June Paik is recognized mostly due to his legend, rather than his works and views. His grand exhibitions, organized in the 1990s, when he was still alive, didn't make it to this part of Europe.
The only monographic exhibition organized here took place during the WRO Biennale in 1999, when the NY-based artist and curator Stephen Vitiello presented a comprehensive retrospective of Paik's video works, developed together with the artist. Paik himself was unable to travel to Wrocław due to his illness.
The present exhibition, developed by Paik's student, artist and long time assistant Jochen Saueracker, is the first thorough presentation of the artist, including his installations, video works, graphics and drawings.
The Paik retrospective is the summit of the first year of activity of WRO Art Center, a space for the presentation of contemporary new media art and the reflection on its historical context.
The exhibition's concept is based on the conviction of the exceptionality of Paik's art and attitude, and the prophetic accuracy of his views on culture and society.
Even today, after the artist's death, his grand work is a constant reference point and a source of inspiration for artists of all generations, and his notion of Electronic Superhighway, introduced in 1974, has played a major part in the realization of the needs of the coming age.
The works gathered in the exhibition originate from various collections and represent all the periods of Paik's intensive artistic activity.
The lesser known graphics, drawings and sketches on paper, juxtaposed with media works: installations and tapes, make it possible to present a genuinely intermedial artistic way of the "Pope of video art".
The exhibition is supplemented by unique recordings of Paik's actions, including those made by the German broadcaster WDR which took part in the artist's activities since the 1970s, and biographical documents from the Electronic Art Intermix collection, New York.
The first part of the exhibition, devoted to the 60s and 70s, focuses on the performance art. It includes such exhibits as performance recordings, photo documentation, original writings and music notations, as well as biographical documents.
The 70s and 80s are represented by (already classical) silkscreens and heliogravures and experimental videotapes Edited for Television and Guadalcanal Requiem, as well as the experiment with satellite transmission, the artist's performance at documenta 7.
The latter works from 80s and 90s include attractive video sculptures Route 66 and Mercury, a sculpture Dharma Wheel Turns, and prints from the Evolution, Revolution, Resolution cycle.
This news message is supported by The Bazaar, a marketplace to buy and sell creative objects. Earn more revenue by selling your prints, downloadable images, or custom products. Set up your store today and stand a chance to have your products featured on DesignTAXI, towards millions of lovers of creative content!
