Nam June Paik

Nam Sat, 1997/98

Nam June Paik studied in Japan and Germany, in 1963 he was the first to work consistently and in a number of ways with television as a medium that could be used by art, thus becoming the much-discussed “father of media art.” Paik originally designed the neon and video sculpture Nam Sat in 1997/98 for the entrance area of the former Daimler Financial Services building at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin. Sparse geometric neon structures cover the ceiling. They form into abstract structures and concrete symbols such as hearts. In addition, they surround a series of monitors showing Paik’s video compositions and rhythmic sequences of abstract-ornamental images. The changing of the colored lights, whose neon lines recall satellite wings, which will guide visitors out from the exhibition.