Sang Um Nam is a sound, video and graphic artist and inventor who lives in Madison, WI and teaches Imaging Media (New Media Concentration) in the Department of Communication Technologies at University of Wisconsin, Platteville. He received his B.S. in Molecular Biology and B.A. in Interdisciplinary Computing and the Arts from University of California, San Diego and his M.F.A. in Electronic Integrated Arts at Alfred University.
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Nam has a background in both art and science and possesses a unique ability to synthesize original projects and theoretical constructs that are both challenging and engaging. Examples of this kind of approach can be seen in Silent Scream (2004, single channel video) where he utilizes complex mathematical formulas in the generation of “processing scores” and his unique approach to sound composition where geometric patterns are mapped across performance interfaces.
Nam has been able to synthesize the knowledge of digital technology and incorporate it into his work in ways that have been able to extend his ideas. His sensibility to sound/image and his deep understanding of digital technology have allowed him to take advantage of working both traditionally and not traditionally. In Fluxion (2004, video installation), he achieved to make a digital representation of natural event in mathematically calculated space with his unique ability of computer programming and he clearly showed what could happen when technology and art merges.
Nam is a serious inventor and artist who is making formidable work and an exciting artist with fantasy and vision in searching unconventional integration of art and science. He invented many audio mixers and channel controllers, including Quadraphonic and Octaphonic Sound Perspective Generator, which users can move sound stream with a joystick or a control board he made in 3-dimensional space. In 2003, he invented Sensor Board: Sensor Board is a modified keyboard that allows users to interface with computer with sensors instead of pushing buttons, and it opens many possibilities for artists, who want to explore more in interactive aspects.
As a researcher, Nam has presented his paper at various venues, including both regional and national conferences of College Music Society, national conferences of Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. Also, he has been very active in many national organizations - Nam is this year's Reasearch Co-chair of Visual Communication Division, AEJMC. This year's Wisconsin Teaching Fellow, Nam has been working on various SoTL, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, projects. Also, he is interested in new media and mass communcation related topics and would like to pursue his career as a new media theorist and educator. |
