As part of the conference publication from 'Permanence Through Chance: The Variable Media Approach," John G. Hanhardt introduces the importance of the 'legendary' Nam June Paik. Hanhardt discusses Paik's early exploration of interactivity and modification of video and media art which led to him quickly becoming a leading innovator as he forged strategies to link science and technology and introduce them to an emerging generation of artists seeking new forms of expression. In the second half of the article, Hanhardt talks to Paik's studio assistant Stephen Vitiello about his experience with Paik's 'TV Garden' and Paik's avant-garde approach to the television set and multimedia installations.

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