Benjamin Patterson visited Nam June Paik Art Center in 2010 and performed 12 Piano Compositions for Nam June Paik, initially written by George Maciunas in 1962. What was left from the performance was acquired by Nam June Paik Art Center: Patterson’s copy of the score with Korean annotations, and objects used in the performance including a neon-orange spray, detergent and sponge, a vase, a bucket, rubber gloves, polish and cloth, etc.
Maciunas’ original score is as follows: 1. Let piano movers carry piano into the stage. 2. Tune the piano. 3. Paint with orange paint patterns over the piano. 4. Using a straight stick the length of a keyboard sound all keys together. 5. Place a dog or cat (or both) inside the piano and play Chopin. 6. Stretch the 3 highest strings with a tuning key till they burst. 7. Place one piano on top of another (one can be smaller). 8. Place piano upside down and put a vase with flowers over the sound box. 9. Draw a picture of the piano so that the audience can see the picture. 10. Write ‘piano composition no. 10’ and show to audience the sign. 11. Wash the piano, wax and polish it well. 12. Let piano movers carry piano out of the stage.
12 Piano Compositions for Nam June Paik
- Artist
- Benjamin Patterson
- Date
- 2010
- Classifications
- video , object
- Medium
- instruction cards, several objects, video documentation of performance
- Dimensions
- Dimensions
- Collection No
- 246