Nam June Paik, “The Lion” 2005 © Nam June Paik Estate
Nam June Paik, “The Lion” 2005 © Nam June Paik Estate
Just minutes after entering the Gagosian Gallery location at 555 West 24th Street for a new exhibit of Nam June Paig’s work, my phone died. I only managed to take three quick pictures. And that was really disappointing because this is the kind of show that really makes you want to get a bunch of photos and share them. Old crummy TVs lying around – stacked or taken apart and hung on the wall – his fake plastic cellos, happy little robots made from console radios… it’s all the rage on social media.
The show is called “Nam June Paik: Art in Process, Part 1,” and as the title suggests, it’s the first part of a major two-part survey of the hugely influential South Korean-born media artist Paik. 1932, was active around the world and died in 2006 in Miami. The second opening is July 19 at the Gagosian Gallery on Park Avenue.
It’s just fun to see Paig’s peculiar constructions and psychedelic TV pictures. He combines a sort of junk-art-packrat mentality with deep contemplation of a future driven by video communication and instant electronic connectivity on a global scale – Paik is credited with coining the term “info superhighway”. It’s also a funny paradox to think that Paig’s clumsy TV cabinets and picture tubes seem outdated, while the next room is filled from floor to ceiling with vintage paintings on canvas and sketches.
Nam June Paik, “One Candle, Candle Projection” 1988-2000 © Nam June Paik Estate
Nam June Paik, “One Candle, Candle Projection” 1988-2000 © Nam June Paik Estate
You are constantly reminded of Paigi’s peculiar wit. But there are also a few pieces in the show that are arresting for their quieter beauty and poetry, such as “One Candle, Candle Projection,” which consists of nothing more than a single lit candle, a video camera, and projectors that create different views. from that flickering flame on the nearby walls.
I could have sat and pondered this piece for a long time if only Gagosian had provided a chair.
Part 1 of “Nam June Paik: Art in Process” is currently on view at the Gagosian Gallery at 555 West 24th Street, and Part 2 opens July 19 at Park Avenue and 75th Street. Until July 22; gagosian.com
Charismatic Cuban conguero Pedrito Martinez lights up Dromi this week.
Charismatic Cuban conguero Pedrito Martinez lights up Dromi this week.
The concert we’re watching this week is part of an independent performance week in which hundreds of small clubs and theaters from coast to coast come together to celebrate their continued survival and vitality as they recover from the pandemic shutdown.
It’s also part of the 15th anniversary celebrations at Avenue A nightclub Drom, which was opened by two immigrant entrepreneurs and has since become one of New York’s focal points for global music, progressive jazz, funk and electronica. .
Mostly, though, it’s a chance to be dazzled by one of Cuba’s most talented and charismatic performers, Pedrito Martinez.
Born in Havana in 1973, Martinez began his professional career at the age of 11 and came to New York at the age of 25. Since then, he has performed and recorded with many superstars: Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Wynton Marsalis, Isaac Delgado — the list goes on and on.
I had the opportunity to hear Martinez play just a few weeks ago in San Francisco with Con Tumbao, fronted by Delgado, one of Cuba’s most revered artists. The band that night consisted of leading players representing salsa, timba, flamenco and other global styles. And with no disrespect to those on stage, Martinez stole the show with her fiery conga playing, gorgeous soloing on hourglass Batá drums, beautiful singing voice and all-around megawatt presence.
This is your chance to see and hear Martinez play up close and personal—while celebrating Dromi’s anniversary and the continued contributions of New York’s small venues. The evening begins with a dance class at 7 p.m., and Martinez takes the stage at 9 p.m. The party is absolutely guaranteed. July 14 at 7:00 p.m.; dromnyc.com
