Nam June Paik Art Center to open on Oct. 8

The actions of celebrated video artist Nam-june Paik often spoke louder than words.

In his career, Paik, who died in 2006, smashed up a piano in front of an audience, wrote calligraphy on Chinese drawing paper using strands of hair drenched in ink and cut up the necktie of someone watching his show.

He epitomized the artist who strived to put abstract ideas into practice to reactivate the experimental and interventionist spirit of contemporary art.

Even though Paik is no longer with us in body, his spirit lives on and will be celebrated on Oct. 8 at the opening of the Nam June Paik Art Center in Yongin, Gyeonggi.

The center is putting together an inaugural festival called “Now Jump” that will be featuring the work of 103 artists from 19 countries, providing perspectives on 20th century art, philosophy, media and life.

“The works displayed have much to do with Paik,” said Lee Chae-young, one of the center’s researchers.

“Though in different forms and genres, they intervene with each other - They are experimental and escape from all formalities,” Lee added.

The exhibited works have been divided into different “stations” in the gallery. They will include archival work by Paik, his friends and colleagues and some 20 visual arts performances, dance and drama plus seminars on contemporary art.

Contributing artists include Paik’s long-time friend and German conceptual artist Joseph Beuys, American avant-garde artist Charlotte Moorman, post-war German artist Mary Bauermeister and Italian artist Romeo Castellucci.

“Now Jump” runs from Oct. 8 to Feb. 5, 2009 at the Nam June Paik Art Center. For more details, call (031) 201-8554 or visit www.njpartcenter.kr.

By Lee Eun-joo Staff Reporter [angie@joongang.co.kr]