Friday, 23 January 2015

Nam June Paik - Victrola, 2005

Victrola 2005By smashing up an old gramophone and record player whilst paring it with a flat screen TV, Paik creates an interesting piece that contrasts two extremely iconic means of entertainment. A Victrola wasn't an unusual sight in many early 1900's homes, much like the flat screen tv. However, Paik places extreme emphasis on how outdated the piece of equipment is by covering it in modern style graffiti and placing a flat screen tv above it. Not only does this show a change in furniture and how we decorate our homes, but also the developments in technology and the advancements that have been made in the last 100 years.

I find this piece intriguing as it almost questions our values; how we, as a society, value a flat screen tv over a beautifully crafted phonograph when it is not as nearly as aesthetically pleasing. This could then begin to develop into questioning society and how we abandon objects and ideals as soon as a newer or more advanced version is released - how we're constantly craving advancements and technology, as well as questioning whether that's a good or bad thing. It also sparks ideas about contrasting our era to 100 years ago and how differently we live out lives now. The graffiti could also suggest something along the cliched lines of; no matter what life throws at you or if people leave you enough for you to fall derelict, you can still be a beautiful antique.

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