Lot  201 Ravenel Autumn Auction 2009 Taipei

Ravenel Autumn Auction 2009 Taipei

TV Rabbit

Nam June PAIK (Korean-American, 1932 - 2006)

1999

Video installation

66(L) x 64(W) x 119(H) cm

Estimate

TWD 2,900,000-3,600,000

HKD 682,000-847,000

USD 88,700-110,100

Sold Price

TWD 4,320,000

HKD 1,040,964

USD 134,328


Signature

Signed lower left PAIK in English and dated '99

+ OVERVIEW

Nam June Paik, a Korean-born American artist, is known as "The Father of Video Art". He played a very important role in leading the video and multi media arts; combining technology and video art together. His impact on the visual art world can be compared to that of 20th century artists such as Joseph Boyce, Marc Duchamps and Andy Warhol.

In the 1950's, Nam June Paik was educated in Japan and Germany in music and philosophy. During his studies in Germany, he was influenced by the American avant-garde music composer John Cage, with whom he began his path in the electronic arts. In 1963, he used black and white TV as a media to create his first video installation. He is truly an international artist, a mixture of Eastern and Western cultures, born in Seoul, Korea, enlightened in classical music and philosophy in Japan, active in German avant-garde art circles and finally settling down in New York. He travelled the world participating in many exhibitions.

"TV Rabbit" is a video installation. It is made up of an old style TV cabinet, a 1990's LD color video recorder, and a sculpture of a rabbit that represents TV antenna. As the antenna look like the ears of a rabbit, it is named "TV Rabbit". Nam June Paik has animated the antenna as a metallic rabbit, showing a humorous side to his creation. The piece is a multi media installation based on a historical object, while merging old and new cultures, and creating a contrast of East and West.

Related Info

Modern & Contemporary Asian Art

Ravenel Autumn Auction 2009 Taipei

Sunday, December 6, 2009, 12:00am