African

Ancient Mediterranean

Asian

European and American

Art since 1900

Art since 1900

Nam June Paik, long considered the pioneer of video art, uses the medium to express the complexities of contemporary culture. Inspired by both the spirit of Zen and the ever-changing dynamics of American society, the artist has created a unique and expressive style of art that creatively fuses new technologies. Eagle Eye's composition is influenced by the Native American thunderbird. Included are references to obsolescent technologies -- the old slide projector and eye chart -- and the artist's self-portrait. Paik is the eagle, who has symbolically endowed the sculpture itself with vision. The video contains a kaleidoscope of pulsating images programmed and edited with the aid of a computer. Sublime satellite photographs of Earth and a solar eclipse intermingle with images of American missiles launched and targeted for destruction. Paik juxtaposes these two opposing aspects of technology that continue to haunt humanity. With Eagle Eye the artist not only provides a prescription for seeing but also a richer understanding of both art and life.