“American Masters: Nam June Paik: Moon Is the Oldest TV” explores the work of the avant-garde artist, Nam June Paik
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Christina Zeiders
Avant-garde artist Nam June Paik imagined a future where “everybody will have his own TV channel.” In a world of social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok, Paik’s vision of the future may be here.
Nam June Paik: Moon Is the Oldest TV illuminates Paik’s creative evolution. Watch it on Tuesday, May 16 at 9pm on WITF TV or the PBS or WITF app Livestream, or stream it on demand for free until June 13 with either app.
Paik is regarded as “the father of video art,” a pillar of the American avant-garde in the 20th century, and the coiner of the phrase “Electronic Superhighway.” He is considered one of the most influential artists of Korean descent.
American Masters charts Paik’s life from his childhood in Japan-occupied Korea to his formative education in Germany and his ascent in the New York art scene and beyond.
Paik believed in making his art accessible and championed that effort through his work on public television. He served as artist-in-residence for WNET/Thirteen’s TV Lab. There, he pushed boundaries through his works, which broadcasted throughout the 1970s.
Watch American Masters: Nam June Paik: Moon Is the Oldest TV on WITF TV on Tuesday, May 16 at 9pm or stream it on demand for free until June 13 with the PBS or WITF app.
American Masters: Nam June Paik: Moon Is the Oldest TV is part of special Asian American and Pacific Islanders programming supported on WITF TV by Mid Penn Bank.
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
