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Collection by Allie Weiss

Robots and Richard Nixon: The Mind-Bending Video Work of Artist Nam June Paik

Pioneering video and performance artist Nam June Paik made his mark on the art world in the late twentieth century by exploring technology's grips on popular American culture. The Korean artist, who moved to New York City in 1964, even helped developed new technologies, such as an early video synthesizer developed in collaboration with Japanese engineer Shuya Abe. His contributions to the art world ranged from sculptures made of miscellaneous technological equipment, to closed-circuit video loops (one well-known work features a Buddha statue facing both a camera and the resulting video projection). A retrospective of his work is now on view at the Tate Modern. Click through the slideshow to see some of the artist's influential works.

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The piece makes a statement about how technology takes on a human-like power (and too, how humans become robotic in the hands of technology).
The piece makes a statement about how technology takes on a human-like power (and too, how humans become robotic in the hands of technology).
Victrola (2005), Nam June Paik A graffitied victrola stand paired with a video projection plays with the dichotomy between old and new.
Victrola (2005), Nam June Paik A graffitied victrola stand paired with a video projection plays with the dichotomy between old and new.
Three Eggs (1975-82), Nam June Paik In this closed-circuit video work, there is an egg being filmed, a video receiver showing an egg, and a physical egg inside another receiver.
Three Eggs (1975-82), Nam June Paik In this closed-circuit video work, there is an egg being filmed, a video receiver showing an egg, and a physical egg inside another receiver.
Nixon (1965-2002), Nam June Paik In this piece, Paik used magnetic coils and a Mackintosh amplifier to distort the broadcast image of Richard Nixon.
Nixon (1965-2002), Nam June Paik In this piece, Paik used magnetic coils and a Mackintosh amplifier to distort the broadcast image of Richard Nixon.