Contemporary Art Conservation at Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum

Latex, chocolate, soap, and video game software are just a few of the non-traditional materials that have inspired contemporary artists. While they embrace the modern, synthetic and technologically advanced world in which we live, some of materials present significant conservation problems for museum conservators. Gwynne Ryan, a conservator at the Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden discusses the challenges museums face with this issue: Should we keep art locked away to make it last? Or let it be experienced as it was intended while accelerating its natural degradation?
For more information about the Hirshhorn's conservation program, visit: http://hirshhorn.si.edu/educate/page.asp?key=205&subkey=75

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Paul Thek
• Fishman
• hirshhorn
• smithsonian
• contemporary art
• behind the scenes
• sculpture
• museum
• conservation
• art conservation
• conservator

[aZedlav]

silicon oil rubbed into latex tends to keep it quite flexible and resistant to oxidation

[rozchatt]

Very interesting issue about artists using "fugitive" materials. If an artist deliberately chooses to use a material which will not last over time is there really any reason to preserve it for the ages?

Many artists in fact choose to create work for the moment, acknowledging the transitory nature of life.

On the other hand an artist might want to create something that will last through time and therefore should as much as possible use methods and materials that are durable and long lasting.