Last week I was very fortunate to be able to attend the UK premiere of the documentary ‘Nam June Paik: Moon Is The Oldest TV’ at a special screening hosted by the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
The subject of the critically acclaimed documentary is the life and career of one of the most famous Korean contemporary artists, Nam June Paik. Paik was an artist heralded as being the father of video art, a visionary and the pioneer of a new form of art that pushed boundaries. Paik used technology as his canvas.
The documentary is the product of the collaboration between filmmakers Amanda Kim and Taryn Gould. It features lovingly and thoughtfully selected original interviews, archive footage and voiceover narration of Paik’s writings by the documentary’s Executive Producer, Steven Yeun. The documentary charts the course of Paik’s art career, taking the viewer along on the journey of his rise to fame on the New York art scene, and from there, around the world. It allows the viewer to share in his difficulties and rejoice in his successes. The highs, and the lows. A man with many sides. Many ideas.
Simply viewing the documentary would have been special enough however in addition, guests were treated to a Q&A with the filmmakers, in conversation with Rosalie Kim, the curator of the V&A’s incredible and current exhibition: Hallyu! The Korean Wave. We were able to listen to these incredible people talk candidly of the extensive processes involved in the creation of the documentary. We learned more of the editing process, and how this alone took the creators over two years. We heard more about the research involved in undertaking a project such as this, and the relationships and trust built up over time with the people that formed part of Paik’s community. The end result of their efforts is a carefully crafted and lovingly tribute to the life of a truly remarkable man who shaped and continues to shape the art world.
Even if you are not familiar with the artist, or his work, this documentary is something that feels important for as many people to watch as possible. It is a portrayal of a whole life, documents Paik’s growth over time, and an endlessly interesting person who continues to inspire. The filmmakers have interwoven Paik’s spirit, wit, personality, tenacity, resilience, hope and an incredible sense of humour throughout the narrative of the documentary.
I would recommend this documentary to everyone, and I hope that it goes on to achieve the success and recognition it deserves.
The documentary will be available to watch on demand and at selected cinemas across the UK from 19 May 2023. More information as to locations can be found by visiting:
https://releasing.dogwoof.com/nam-june-paik
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did !
Faye