Jianwei Wu x Nam June Paik
Jianwei Wu, The Work of Art in the Age of Digital Identity (2022) inspired by Nam June Paik, Nam June Paik (2019)
Artist Statement:
Nam June Paik's idea of celebrating new technology with humor and experimental forms inspires me. He foresaw the importance of mass media and its impact on visual culture. I am interested in how access to social media, like TikTok, has brought about a tremendous change in the digital world. Paik's works convinced me that art related to Tuwei is not just a silly pastime but evidence that reflects China's unseen and rarely heard discontent. The digital identities that have been produced online are works of art to me, something that cannot be unseen. These cultural forms of performance are emotions of resistance and rebellion against mainstream culture and an initiative for diversity and democracy.