Archives
Mission
Nam June Paik Art Center Archives aims to collect, preserve and make available historical records and primary materials related to Nam June Paik and his art as well as the NJP Art Center for the purpose of historical research.
Introduction
Nam June Paik Art Center Archives comprise primary materials on Nam June Paik, including correspondence, drawings, photographs, exhibition materials and media materials. The Archives consist of; Nam June Paik Archive including primary materials directly related to Nam June Paik: Video Archive comprising Paik’s single channel video works and footages: Studio Archive including documents and objects from Paik’s New York studios: and Museum Archive holding records created in the process of operating NJP Art Center. Nam June Paik Art Center Archives has not only continued to collect primary materials and provide services for patrons, but also has undertaken various research projects. Videotape Analysis intends to analyze and document the editings and sequences of Paik’s single channel video works included in Video Archive collections. Nam June Paik Art Center Interviews is designed to interview with Paik’s colleagues, friends and researchers and publish in forms of video or monograph.
About the Archives
Nam June Paik Art Center Archives comprises of Museum Archive, created by NJP Art Center, and special collections, created by individuals or institutions and collected by NJP Art Center. Museum Archive holds documentation of exhibitions, education programs, events, and collections that have been organized and hosted by Nam June Paik Art Center since its opening in 2008.
Nam June Paik Art Center’s special collections consist of Nam June Paik Archive, Video Archive and Studio Archive. Nam June Paik Archive containing primary materials created and collected by Paik’s colleagues, friends and collectors holds correspondence, photographs and objects related to Paik’s art and life. Highlights include photographs, correspondence and drawings owned by Paik’s longtime colleagues, Shuya Abe, Erik Andersch, Mary Bauermeister and among others. Nam June Paik Archive can be accessed via Nam June Paik Art Center’s Database (db.njpartcenter.kr).
Video Archive comprises 2,285 analog videos consisting of Paik’s single channel video works and footages, performance recordings, documentaries and films. Highlights of Video Archive are Good Morning Mr. Orwell, Global Groove, Guadalcanal Requiem and among others. Studio Archive holds documents and objects stored and used at Paik’s studios in New York. It consists of; Memorabilia, which is a reconstructed Paik’s studio which was located on Broome Street in New York, bringing all objects and documents from the studio: and Grand Street collection including monitors and documents from Paik’s studio on Grand Street in New York. Memorabilia is on permanent display on the 2nd floor of the Nam June Paik Art Center.v
Access
Nam June Paik Art Center Archives can be accessed on site at the Research Library by advance appointment.
Research Library
※ Temporary closure of on-site archival access due to collection maintenance (2024.7.~12.)
Location
2nd Floor, Nam June Paik Art Center
Hours
Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed
Weekends and public holidays
The Library is closed when the Nam June Paik Art Center is closed.
All archive collections can be consulted on site by advance appointment.
※ To visit the Research Library, please contact us in advance by email (library@njpartcenter.kr) including a list of materials for consult and visit date.
※ All patrons are encouraged to make an appointment at least one to two weeks before visit.
※ Library materials are non-circulating.
※ Paid photocopying service is offered on site.
FAQ
Who may use the Nam June Paik Art Center Archives?
Nam June Paik Art Center Archives is open to all by advance appointment. In general, patrons are graduate students or PhD candidates, academic researchers and contemporary art curators.
How do I use the Archives?
Finding Aid of each collection can be found from Nam June Paik Art Center Database. The full list of Video Archive shall be provided on the website. To consult archive collections, it is advised that a list of items for consult should be emailed with visit date in request at least one to two weeks in advance. (library@njpartcenter.kr) The date and scope of consult will be confirmed via email.
On the day of archival consulting, archive items can be accessed on site in the presence of the archivist. It is advised to register and observe the instructions stated in the agreement for use of archival collections offered by Nam June Paik Art Center. The amount of photocopy of consulted items can be limited due to copyright. No photography allowed during archival consult.
How can I search the Archives relevant to my research topic?
Patrons may find relevant archive items through searching Finding Aids or list of Video Archive. Researchers also may inform the archivist of their research topic in advance so that the archivist can recommend the relevant archive items or publications. Additional items can be recommended on site during their consult visit.
How can I publish archival materials?
To reproduce archive items in forms of publication and exhibition, patrons are required to separately consult with the copyright holder of each item.
Are digital copies of archival materials available?
All archive items must be consulted on site only. Nam June Paik Art Center Archives does not provide any digital copies of archive items.