The artwork titled “Pre-Bell-Man,” created by artist Nam June Paik, is associated with the Neo-Dada art movement and falls under the genre of installation. The installation presents a combination of diverse elements that together create a unique and thought-provoking piece typical of Neo-Dada’s embrace of absurdity and assemblage of everyday objects.
In the artwork, a green horse sculpture rears up on a concrete pedestal, its form adorned with an eclectic array of vintage television sets, monitors, and other electronic devices. These screens vary in size and shape, some displaying abstract visuals and glowing patterns, enhancing the piece with luminescent charm. The horse appears almost mechanized through its integration with the electronic components, suggesting a fusion between organic life and technology. The installation is displayed in a modern glass-fronted environment, reflecting the contemporary context and technological themes of the piece. This blend of traditional sculptural elements and modern electronic technology evokes a dialogue on the intersection of past and present, nature and technology, characteristic of Nam June Paik’s artistic exploration.