Conservation of Modern and Contemporary Art

Art Conservation has experience with material-technical, conservation-restoration and ethical issues in the field of conservation and restoration of modern and contemporary art. This experience ranges from plastics, food art, kinetic art, outdoor sculptures, conceptual art to mixed-media installations.

The preservation of modern and contemporary art is often complex. It often has great substantive complexity in combination with a variety of materials. Modern materials used by artists often begin to age from day one, which can be noticeable in aesthetic appearance and deterioration of their material integrity. This instability means that the materials often have a relatively short lifespan. Complex structures and installations can present particular challenges for exhibition, storage and transport. Preventive conservation is of great importance to reduce ageing phenomena, for example, oxidation processes of plastics. Based on specialized knowledge, professional ethical principles, interdisciplinary thinking and collaboration, Art Conservation develops conservation and restoration concepts that do justice to the artworks and are documented in detail.

Art Conservation’s job is to understand and document the complexity of the modern and contemporary works of art in terms of material and content. In addition, it is the task to take measures with regard to its preservation, aimed at both conservation and restoration. Art Conservation aims to promote and increase research, knowledge and discussion in the field of Modern and contemporary art. We work both in situ and in the studio in Vlaardingen.

We offer the following services:

Advice

Art Conservation offers advice in the field of Modern and Contemporary Art on ethical, material-technical, ageing and conservation issues. We offer tailor-made advice for each specific case study. Art Conservation also offers advice on the preservation, handling and presentation of Modern and contemporary art.

Research

We offer various research methods for complex conservation problems, aimed at optical and material-technical research. Each work undergoes one before the restoration optical examination the results of which are used as a basis for a substantiated proposal for conservation and/or restoration.

Microscopic examination with stereo microscope with the possibility of cross-sections
Ultraviolet Fluorescence
Infrared reflectography
Active and passive thermography
H-RTI
Photogrammetry

In addition, we offer research into complex issues about specific case studies, related to ageing of materials, authenticity, installation possibilities and the intention of the artist.

At Art Conservation we specialize in conducting artist interviews. Conversations and interviews with contemporary artists are considered an essential part of the conservation and restoration of Modern and Contemporary art. The artist interview offers the opportunity to collect as much substantive, technical, intentional and authentic information about artworks as possible. Due to the great complexity of materials with various ageing processes, the artist interview can provide essential information for the future, which can lead to better ethically responsible decision-making for conservation and restoration.

Preservation

Preventive conservation of Modern and Contemporary artwork often consists of mixed, unstable modern materials, such as plastics and new media. Art Conservation has a lot of knowledge about various materials and the ageing to apply this to the preservation of Modern and Contemporary art. Art Conservation can provide advice for the most ideal storage conditions for objects in depots.

Conservation- Restoration

Art Conservation works with qualified conservators who preserve Modern and Contemporary works of art in their authenticity and apply techniques that do not cause damage. Reversibility, authenticity and minimal intervention play a major role in this.

You can contact us for a variety of treatments:

Documentation is very important. After the treatment, a final report is drawn up in which all examinations and treatments are described in detail and documented using photos. This offers the customer insight into the conservation process. Openness about our activities is an important pillar within our company.

Artists:

Art Conservation has expertise in:

Code of Ethics: Art Conservation carries out all work according to the ethical guidelines for conservation and restoration of the cultural heritage of the European Confederation of Conservators-Restorers’ Organizations (E.C.C.O.).

For all your questions about the conservatiom of modern and contemporary art, you can contact us, so that we can explore the possibilities together.