Nam June Paik

Mr. Hakuta,

My name is Phillip Baumer. I am a 2^nd MFA grad student in sculpture within the School of Art & Design at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas. I am contacting you because I am in a class that will be visiting the Istanbul Biennial in early October. Prior to leaving for this trip, our class is researching artists exhibiting at the biennale. As a class we feel it is important to not just view the artists work but to understand how their art is important to the biennial. I am hoping that you could be a voice for Mr. Paik and answer to the best of your ability five questions we have prepared.

1.) In your opinion, how does the setting for the Istanbul Biennial affect how Nam June Paik’s work will be viewed or perceived?

2.) How does Nam June Paik’s art fit into the thematic concerns or curatorial statement of the Istanbul Biennial?

3.) Given the history of the biennial as an international venue; how do you think that Nam June Paik would consider the global significance of its future? I would also appreciate your answer to the same question.

4.) While Nam June Paik’s art is internationally prolific, how important is the Istanbul Biennial to his artistic legacy?

5.) Nam June Paik is considered the first video artist; in your opinion—how has video art changed since he first introduced it as an art medium?

I am presenting Mr. Paik’s work next Monday to our class and any help that you could give in answering these questions would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Phillip Baumer

Graduate Student

Wichita State University