20th century new media pioneer Nam June Paik integrated nature and technology in iconic artworks like his TV Garden (monitors set amid live plants) and robots that mimic the human figure. One of the robots is a standout in Gagosian Gallery’s current two-part exhibition of multi-media work from Paik’s career. Composed of radios – mass produced, found objects that spread information and culture globally – Paik’s late career robot sculptures don’t move, rather their bodies feature movement via circular inset monitors. Excited by the merger of technology, art and music and the advance of technology into daily life, Paik used TV sets like canvases and constructed cellos from stacked monitors. Both on display in the current show testifying to the artist’s hopeful and creative vision. (On view in Chelsea through July 22nd and at Gagosian’s uptown from July 19th – Aug 26th).
