Nam June Paik was a visionary artist. Coining the term “electronic superhighway,” he believed in a future in which technology would enable connections between people and cultures on a global scale. This vision was reflected in his practice, which brought together sound, electronic devices, and emerging video technologies in groundbreaking sculptures, performances, and installations. Across a dynamic oeuvre, Paik’s work explored the humanization of technology and its impact on modern society. This is demonstrated keenly in Robot K-456, 1963–1964, in Glenstone’s collection, the first of many robotic sculptures Paik would produce in his decades-long career. Composed of disparate electronic parts in a human-like form, the remote-controlled Robot K-456 could gesture its arms, move on wheels, and playback speeches by President John F. Kennedy, among other actions. Foundational to the development of media-based art, Paik’s work continues to challenge our understanding of humanity and our evolving relationship to technology.

–Daniel Mauro, from the Glenstone Field Guide