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Nam June Paik — Robot
Nam June Paik

Robot

A whimsical assemblage figure by pioneering video artist Nam June Paik, *Robot* constructs a humanoid form from a nostalgic collection of vintage technology and everyday objects, including antique cameras, an old radio body, and glowing lanterns. Paik animates the sculpture with flickering screens — a Sony Watchman and Sony TV/radio — embedding live or looping video into the figure's body, blurring the boundary between machine and life. Crowned with a jaunty trilby hat, the work reflects Paik's signature humor and his lifelong fascination with the relationship between humanity and the ever-evolving landscape of electronic media.

Medium
trilby hat, two antique cameras, antique radio body, lanterns, lights, Sony Watchman, Sony tv/radio, wood, acrylic, metal

🔨 Auction Lot

Contemporary Art Day Sale

June 28, 2013

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Spotted works by Nam June Paik

About this work

Nam June Paik, Robot

A whimsical assemblage figure by pioneering video artist Nam June Paik, *Robot* constructs a humanoid form from a nostalgic collection of vintage technology and everyday objects, including antique cameras, an old radio body, and glowing lanterns. Paik animates the sculpture with flickering screens — a Sony Watchman and Sony TV/radio — embedding live or looping video into the figure's body, blurring the boundary between machine and life. Crowned with a jaunty trilby hat, the work reflects Paik's signature humor and his lifelong fascination with the relationship between humanity and the ever-evolving landscape of electronic media.

Medium
trilby hat, two antique cameras, antique radio body, lanterns, lights, Sony Watchman, Sony tv/radio, wood, acrylic, metal
Seen at
Phillips, New York, London, Hong Kong

Related themes

Korean American Artist, 20th Century, Male Artist, Playful And Whimsical, Avant-Garde, Robotics Imagery, Mixed Media Sculpture, Video Art, Warm Tones, Technology And Media, Found Objects

More works by Nam June Paik

Collected by

Sharrissa Iqbal