[백남준 46년전 첫 전시의 재현전] Paik Nam-june's debut in focus again

One of the most notable events in modern art happened at Parnass Gallery in Wuppertal, Germany in March, 1964. A cow's head dangled from the ceiling at the entrance and visitors had to crawl under a giant balloon to enter the exhibition room. Inside, among all sorts of junk, including broken pianos, a wrecked sewing machine, old cans and keys, thirteen televisions stood there buzzing. The scene on the screen changed following the visitors' actions. It was the first solo exhibition of video artist Paik Nam-june, named "EXPosition of Music - ELectronic Television." This sensational show not only changed Paik's life, but also introduced brand new material into modern art - electric media.

   Forty-six years later, Nam June Paik Art Center in Yongin city is shedding new light  on Paik's first exhibition through the exhibition "The EXPosition of Mythology - ELectric Technology."

It is not the first attempt to do this. The Vienna Contemporary Art Museum in Austria has already hosted an exhibition to commemorate Paik's first exhibition in March.

After seeing the show and realizing the importance of Paik's first exhibition, Lee Young-cheol, director of Nam June Paik Art Center, decided to hold another reinterpreted version of the exhibition - which will hopefully be even better - in Paik's home country.

Lee made extensive research and gathered some artists who were ready to play with, reinterpret and parody Paik's ideas.

He made the exhibition title in the same style as that of Paik's first exhibition so that it could be abbreviated to "EXPEL." Paik intended to expel all typical barriers and divisions in art and philosophy, explained Lee.

"Paik was more than just a video artist. This exhibition should be the introduction to start some major research about him. I hope it can be the opportunity to show Paik's importance in the world's art history."

More than thirty pieces by 21 Korean and international contemporary artists are on display at the exhibition. The work either shows homage or some sort of connection to Paik's work.

Jimmie Durham is into smashing things, a common theme of Paik's performances. In Durham's video, the artist sits behind a desk as different people place objects in front of him, requesting him to smash them. Without hesitation he crushes the objects with rocks. Once they are completely destroyed, he hands a signed sheet which confirms his finished action and greets his next visitor.

Tilo Baumgartel showcases a painting of a nurse feeding an ape in a well-furnished dining room. Like Paik, the artist refuses any kind of hierarchy or separation.

Hong Chul-ki installed his work in the center's restrooms as Paik did at his first exhibition. Hong's work makes noises whenever the visitors turn on the water or open the restroom's door.

Some original work by Paik can also be found at the exhibition, including "Zen for TV," and "Tiger Lives."

The exhibition runs through Oct. 4 at Nam June Paik Art Center in Sanggal-dong, Yongin city in Gyeonggi Province. It takes about 30 minutes from Gangnam Station by bus. Admission is free. For more information, call (031) 201-8527 or visit www.njpartcenter.kr

(claire@heraldm.com)

By Park Min-young