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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nDo not be alarmed! The robot figures are not menacing, but\npart of an intriguing technology-based sculptural installation by the \u201cFather\nof Video Art,\u201d Nam June Paik (1932 \u2013 2006). Titled, ElectroSymbio Phonics for\nPhoenix, the artwork was originally commissioned for Phoenix\u2019s new America West\nArena (now Talking Stick Resort Arena) in 1992. The robots stood along the\ndoorways leading to the arena from the food court, only to be removed during\nrenovations in 2002.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Visitors to the Museum Gallery will be treated to an\nimmersive experience. The three robots contain 63 televisions activated by four\ncustom video channels created by the artist. Four vibrant neon murals –\ndepicting symbols of technology, biology and language – flank each figure. The symbols\ninclude DNA strands, Chinese characters, an electronic transistor signal and\nEgyptian hieroglyphs. The glow of technology and neon will mesmerize the\nviewer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Innovative and visionary, artist Nam June Paik played a\nleading role in bridging the gap between art and technology. Paik is credited\nas the first to use television as an art medium. Throughout an art career that\nspanned more than three decades, Paik predicted how media would completely\nchange our lives. As early as the 1970s, he coined the term \u201cElectronic Superhighway\u201d\nto describe the potential technology had to transform the way we share ideas\nand collaborate. His experimental work with broadcasting and technology laid\nthe groundwork for many artists working in digital media today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Electro-Symbio Phonics for Phoenix is on display at the\nPhoenix Airport Museum Gallery, located in Phoenix Sky Harbor International\nAirport, Terminal 4 on level 3. The exhibition may be viewed for free during\ngallery hours, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. through July 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n