Digital Being: TV Being-Z4T-001(TV Being-005 2.0), 2022

B/W CRT TV, Arduino, Distance Sensor, Camera, Relay, RF Module, E-waste Part

6.1(W) x 9.25(H) x 5.9(D) in.

15.5 x 23.5 x 15 cm.

What if Nam June Paik's analog TV artwork, Zen for TV, comes to life again with digital technology in this digital era?

I encountered Zen for TV at the exhibition "Art in Process: Part One" at Gagosian Gallery and recalled the story of its creation: while moving the TV to the gallery, it broke. Paik then turned the broken TV 90 degrees and titled it Zen for TV. When I returned to my studio, I pondered: what if I could make it function again with digital technology? I embedded technologies such as a small computer, a relay, a distance sensor, a small camera, LEDs, and other electronic components inside an abandoned CRT TV. Now, this homage to Paik's piece can activate its screen when approached; when no one is present, it returns to zen mode. It resembles a creature that opens and closes its eye based on your presence. As you approach, you can view what it sees—glitches—through the screen. Welcome, Paik.

Digital Being: TV Being 005-18, 2016

B/W CRT TV, Arduino, Distance Sensor, Camera, Relay, and RF Module

6.1(W) x 9.25(H) x 5.9(D) in.

15.5 x 23.5 x 15 cm.

"TV Being-005," one of the Digital Being series, develops consciousness by observing its surroundings through an internal camera and an antenna. Typically, it meditates by displaying lines on the screen, akin to Nam June Paik’s “Zen for TV.” However, when people approach, it activates the screen as if opening its eyes to reveal its thoughts.

TV Being 005 Series at Hot Wood Arts, 2016

TV Being 005 Series has also been exhibited at Siggraph Asia 2018, Governors Island Art Fair 2016, Pratt Manhattan Gallery, Pratt DDA Gallery, and Moniker Art Fair.