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The conservation issues posed by modern and contemporary art are among the most pressing in the field. Despite their relatively young age (modern is loosely defined here as post 1900, and contemporary as anything made in the last thirty years), these art works present substantial conservation challenges. In addition to the obvious scenarios of conservation being required after accidental damage or vandalism—either of which could occur from the very moment a work of art is created—there are several other factors particular to these works that create a need for conservation research.
- The range of materials being used to create modern and contemporary art is almost overwhelming. In order to keep all of these materials in the best possible state, for as long as possible, each of them needs to be studied before the signs of deterioration are apparent, so that the best methods for preventing damage or change can be determined.
- Many modern materials are inherently unstable and quickly show signs of deterioration—such as the early cellulosic plastics used in twentieth-century sculpture. This means that some works of art that are only a few decades old may already need conservation.
- Aesthetically, there is often a low tolerance for any sign of aging in many modern and contemporary pieces, so that intervention may be required at a much earlier point than in traditional art.
- Many tried and tested conservation materials and processes that are routinely used on traditional works are often inappropriate for modern materials. Conservators therefore often have to undertake treatments that have not been fully evaluated.
- There is much uncertainty within the art world over the ethical dilemmas frequently posed by the conservation of contemporary pieces. For example, an artist's wish to remake a deteriorated work in order to create a new object that is closer to the original intention, at least in appearance, would appear to cause serious conflict with the established conservation ethics on reversibility and conserving original materials.
The GCI is taking a broad approach to this research area that includes a range of scientific research projects that analyze these new materials and assess their stability; that investigate methods that can improve our knowledge of the effects of conservation treatments; and that seek technical solutions for decreasing the rates of deterioration.
Current GCI Science projects in this area:
Other Activities
In addition to these three specific projects, Modern and Contemporary Art Research also includes developing a broader strategy for the discussing and responding to the major issues, and for disseminating information.
The Object in Transition conference, Getty Center, January 2008
The GCI and Getty Research Institute closely collaborated to co-organize The Object in Transition conference, which fostered increased dialogue about conservation issues of contemporary artworks among conservators, art historians, and curators. A number of relevant works of art were also exhibited in a special display at the J. Paul Getty Museum, enabling those attending to participate more fully in the discussion of these works. Also—a first for the Getty—the entire conference was videotaped and is now viewable online: The Object in Transition conference.
Conservation Issues of Modern and Contemporary Art (CIMCA) meeting, Museum of Modern Art, New York, June 2008
The GCI organized the CIMCA meeting of international experts to discuss the significant and often highly complex issues faced by professionals in the conservation of modern and contemporary art. The observations and conclusions from this meeting will form the basis of a strategic framework to enable the GCI and others to initiate, cultivate, and coordinate a range of activities in the conservation of modern and contemporary art, including research, education and training, and dissemination. See CIMCA meeting.
Ethical Dilemmas in the Conservation of Modern and Contemporary Art panel discussion, Getty Center, April 2009
Often the difficult decisions being made by conservators for modern and contemporary art are highly complex, ethical dilemmas, and in many cases there are clear disagreements on how to resolve conflicting values. The GCI hosted a public panel discussion with experts in conservation, collection management, and curatorial activities, all charged with the display, management, and conservation of modern and contemporary art. See
Ethical Dilemmas in the Conservation of Modern and Contemporary Art panel discussion.
Last updated: July 2009
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