A rabbit on the moon. An exhibition on Nam June Paik in Turin.

This year marks the 140th anniversary of the Diplomatic Agreement between Korea and Italy, and to mark the occasion, the MAO Museum of Oriental Art in Turin, in collaboration with the Nam June Paik Art Center of South Korea and with the support of the Korea Foundation, is hosting the exhibition Rabbit Inhabits the Moon, running from Oct. 19, 2024 to March 23, 2025. The exhibition, curated by Davide Quadrio, director of the museum, and Joanne Kim, Korean critic and curator, with the participation of Anna Musini and Francesca Filisetti, offers a journey through the cultural and artistic heritage of the two countries, rereading the influence of Nam June Paik (Seoul, 1932 - Miami, 2006) on contemporary generations. The project is advised by Manuela Moscatiello, Kyoo Lee and Patrizio Peterlini.

Rabbit Inhabits the Moon aims to activate a dynamic dialogue that reflects the evolving cultural and artistic landscape of Korea and Italy, exploring Nam June Paik’s legacy and his influence on current generations. The exhibition includes video works, installations, and new productions by Korean artists from the collection of the Nam June Paik Art Center, juxtaposed with some of Paik’s major works (many on loan from the Bonotto Foundation) and valuable traditional artifacts from leading national and international museums.

The exhibition includes 17 works by Nam June Paik, including the title installation, Rabbit Inhabits the Moon, along with Plexiglass Cello TV, Fluxus Island in Décollage Ocean Human, Ecce Homo and Zen for Head. Also on display are five installations by six contemporary Korean artists - Sunmin Park, Ahn Kyuchul, Unmake Lab, eobchae × Ryu Sungsil, Shiu Jin and Jesse Chun - and a new production by Park Jiha. The exhibition is enriched by precious artifacts related to the philosophical and ritual aspects of Korean cultural tradition, such as an eight-lobed bronze mirror from the Goryeo period, a 15th-century stoneware pyriform bottle, and Kwon Dae-sup’s “Moon-jar” from 1952. These objects come from prestigious Asian art museums in Italy and Europe, including the Museée national des Arts asiatiques Guimet in Paris, the E. Chiossone Museum in Genoa, and the Museum of Civilizations in Rome.

Also from the E. Chiossone Museum is the “Avalokitesvara Watermoon” (14th century), a fine painting on silk that will be exceptionally displayed thanks to the delicate restoration promoted on the occasion of the exhibition. A special section of the itinerary, curated by Kyoo Lee, is devoted to the exploration of Korean shamanic culture in relation to the figure of Nam June Paik. In addition, a reference room, designed by Korean architect Kun-Min Kim, will be devoted to an in-depth study of contemporary artists.

The exhibition is enhanced by a music and performance program curated by Chiara Lee and Freddie Murphy, involving Korean and Italian artists known for their ability to blend traditional and contemporary art forms, including Haepaary, Francesca Heart, Angela Ceo and Diana Lola Posani.

On the occasion of the exhibition, a catalog in Italian and English will be published by Silvana Editoriale. The publication includes previously unpublished essays edited by Davide Quadrio, Joanne Kim, Manuela Moscatiello and Kyoo Lee, providing insights into the themes of the exhibition, the relationship between Italian and Korean culture and the legacy of Nam June Paik. The catalog also devotes ample space to contemporary artists invited to participate in the exhibition.

A rabbit on the moon. An exhibition on Nam June Paik in Turin.

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