Hyundai’s Support of Art Continues with New Tate Modern Exhibit
Bakelite Robot (2002) by Nam June Paik © Nam June Paik Studio
Believe it or not, Hyundai is a strong supporter of the Korean art scene. Its loyalty isn’t just by claim but evidenced by the automaker’s 11 year partnership with Tate Modern, a substantial art institution based in the UK.
The collaboration, known as the “Hyundai Commission,” provides funding to feature annual installations by contemporary artists until 2025. This pact is the biggest since Tate Modern opened in 2000, and the first installation is up and running.
The new Tate Modern exhibit, which opened on November 3rd, showcases the work of Nam June Paik.
Hyundai Partnership Facilitates New Tate Modern Exhibit of Nam June Paik
Hyundai’s promotion of Korean art at Tate Modern began this year with the multimedia sculptures of the “father of video art.” Nam June Paik, who lived to the age of 73 in 2006, saw many of his predictions come true, including computer users posting to a “Video Common Market” (sound much like YouTube?).
Seven of the nine of the artist’s works acquired with the funding by Hyundai Motors are now on display to the public (like “Bakelite Robot” and “Three Eggs,” both pictured).
“Paik was a visionary,” affirmed Sook-Kyung Lee, curator of the display that captures a 40-year career. “He was fascinated by the advance of technology of the 60s and 70s and used his art to highlight how everyday life was changing with this innovation.”
While we at The News Wheel aren’t necessarily skilled art connoisseurs, we still find Paik’s use of radios, robotics, and computers intriguing. No doubt his insight into humanity’s role in the digital age will be increasingly timeless, as will the rest of the new Tate Modern exhibits arriving in the coming years.
Three Eggs (1975-82) by Nam June Paik © Nam June Paik Studio
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