NAM JUNE PAIK ONE CANDLE POSTCARD

Nam June Paik
One Candle (also known as Candle TV)
2004
Cathode ray tube television casing with additions in permanent oil marker, acrylic paint and live candle
35.56 x 40.64 x 40.64 cm
Collection of Estate of Nam June Paik
© Estate of Nam June Paik

Buddhism teaches the value of meditating on 'no-thing-ness' as a way of reaching a state of enlightenment. Staring at a flickering candle flame – a light source like the moon and the TV screen – is a traditional meditation technique, and Paik uses a shared cultural trope that speaks to people beyond geographic boundaries.

Dimension: 105 x 148 mm