Who is considered the pioneer of video art?

Nam June Paik is recognized as the pioneer of video art due to his innovative and experimental approach to the medium. He was among the first artists to explore the artistic potential of video technology, starting in the 1960s. Paik used video as a means of expression and commentary, creating works that combined video with performance, installation, and television. His groundbreaking piece, "TV Buddha," exemplifies his vision by juxtaposing traditional sculpture with modern technology, making viewers aware of the cultural implications of television.

His work laid the foundation for video art as a legitimate and respected form within the contemporary art world. Paik’s ability to merge art with technology, and his insistence on the viewer’s role in the experience of video, transformed how artists and audiences interact with the medium. This pioneering spirit established the framework for many future artists working in video and multimedia formats.