The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA), led by Director Kim Sung-hee, has announced the publication of a monograph titled ‘1003+1 MMCA Nam June Paik Dadaikseon Conservation and Restoration Record.’ This publication chronicles the rigorous journey of Paik from 2020 to 2022, documenting the preservation, restoration, and reactivation of a media art piece, ‘The More, the Better’ (‘Dadaikseon’ in Korean).

Created in 1988, ‘Dadaikseon’ consists of 1003 CRT monitors and is a significant representative work in the MMCA Gwacheon Gallery. It was conceived to commemorate the ’88 Seoul Olympics, and the number 1003 symbolizes a National Foundation Day, “Gaecheonjeol”, on October 3rd, according to Nam June Paik’s creative vision.

Over the years, the monitors and equipment in the artwork have experienced malfunctions or have reached the end of their lifespan. However, from 2020 to 2022, a meticulous preservation and restoration process was completed, culminating in the reactivation of the artwork on September 15, 2022.

The restoration involved precise diagnostics of 1003 CRT monitors and power units, along with the repair and replacement of 737 damaged monitors using recycled monitors and components.

Additionally, 266 6-inch and 10-inch CRT monitors at the top of the artwork, for which parts were unavailable, were replaced with new LCD displays while maintaining the original appearance. Eight video works with poor image quality were digitally converted and restored, and a systematic operational plan was established after six months of testing operations.

In commemoration of this milestone, the MMCA has published the monograph ‘1003+1 MMCA Nam June Paik Dadaikseon Conservation and Restoration Record,’ which spans 600 pages and details every step of the intensive three-year journey. The monograph, a non-commercial publication, is available for public review in the MMCA Seoul and Gwacheon libraries.

Simultaneously, the MMCA is releasing Nam June Paik’s research book, ‘My Nam June: Memory, Preservation, Diffusion.’ The book explores Nam June Paik’s artistic achievements and influence from diverse perspectives, focusing on themes such as ‘Memory and Heritage,’ ‘Media Art and Preservation,’ and ‘Diffusion of Discourse.’

The authors include 11 distinguished researchers from both domestic and international institutions, such as Barbara London, former curator at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York; Saisha Grayson, Time-Based Media Curator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM); and Dorcas Müller, responsible for the conservation and restoration of ‘Dadaikseon’ at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA).

The research book is available in both Korean and English editions for purchase at the MMCA Seoul.

References

• 국립현대미술관(MMCA)
• [KBS 뉴스] 백남준 ‘다다익선’ 재가동 1년…“자동 점검 시스템 내년 구축”