Thinking of the stars, 2021

13.5 x 13.5 x 13.5 inches / each piece (Various and Adjustable)

Analog Portable TV, 1.5” LCD Screen, Micro SD Card, Raspberry Pi, Stand, LED, E-Parts, USB Power Adapter + NFT Art from the Internet

When I came to New York City in 2008, it was a year before the broadcast transmission system went digital in the USA. Since then, I have observed many abandoned technologies, including analog TVs, which were once expensive and iconic examples of cutting-edge technology during the era of Nam June Paik, discarded on the streets. Through my artistic practice, I not only wanted to give them new life as a form of art, but I also wanted to explore the direction of evolving technology, sustainability, and possibility.

Everything in our lives is going digital. I am seeking an invisible, formless creature born out of this radical change. I call it Digital Being; some of these beings work interactively, while others operate randomly, based on the characteristics and original functions of the machines.

Digital Being: Thinking of the Stars — a pile of digital code emerges from abandoned technologies to be born into new life. These beings contemplate, 'Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?' while imagining the sun, planets, and the 'tele-stars.' The spinning stars on the screen are streamed over the internet from the NFT collection Thinking of the Stars, like a new soul for the old, abandoned machine. With NFT technology, each one has a unique identity, allowing them to float and coexist between the physical and virtual worlds. Using NFT and IPFS (Interplanetary File System) technology, these creatures will live with us forever. Through my artwork, Digital Being, I hope to invite you into a world beyond human-centered thinking.

I have been working as one of the technicians maintaining Nam June Paik's artwork in New York City. I believe NFT and IPFS can be effective solutions for the software component of video art restoration, and I want to share this idea through my artwork as well.

Reference books: being digital - Nicholas Negroponte // Out of Control - Kevin Kelly // The Singularity is Near - Ray Kurzweil // SAPIENS - Yuval Noah Harari

Shown at the group show, “Resurgence” curated by Clayton Calvert & Parker Calvert at NYC Culture Club located in The Oculus WTC.

Featured at Artnet // ArtDaily // New York YIMBY // SIGGRAPH Asia 2022

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