The one watching his own image · Elias Thorn
Site: Elias Thorn / Shelter
Source: https://elias-thorn.com/en/rooms/records/tv-buddha/
Language: en
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The one watching his own image

A Buddha statue sits in front of a television. A camera films it and sends the image to the screen in real time. The Buddha seems absorbed in his own image; for now, the viewer remains outside the scene.

But when someone leans forward to see what the statue sees, the camera captures them too. Another figure appears on the screen. The attempt to examine another gaze changes the picture.

Nam June Paik made several versions of TV Buddha. The Nam June Paik Art Center dates its version 1974/2002. The visitor’s position matters here: one can observe the installation from outside, or move close enough to become part of its image.

An editorial text about an existing artwork, based on the Nam June Paik Art Center collection record. The date 1974/2002 follows the museum’s designation.

Publication date not recorded

Open source ↗ (https://njpart.ggcf.kr/collections/205)

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