The Evolving Influence of the Conservator of Contemporary Art
Channel: AIC & FAIC
Date: 2020-04-13

This panel explored the ever-changing role of contemporary art conservators. Panelists presented cases from their institution, which was followed by a moderated discussion, and questions from the audience.

The practice of contemporary art conservation has long extended beyond material analysis; we needed to look beyond the physicality of an artwork or a conservator’s dogmas of minimal intervention and reversibility. To meet the complex demands inherent to contemporary works of art, to ensure its care and survival, we have shifted towards preserving a work’s concept, aesthetic function, and the artist’s intention – we have recognized the multiplicity of perception among stakeholders around/within one work of art.

Therefore, conservators now routinely interact with artists, assistants, fabricators, estates, curators, administrators, and experts from other fields, to identify and weigh the various values inherent to a particular work and to negotiate the most suitable conservation treatment, in every case anew.

Such broader spheres of interaction, decision-making, and intervention possibilities has extended our set of tools and requires an increased sensibility as mediators in communication with stakeholders.
Our apparent growing scope of action and visibility within the system of art preservation and presentation enhances both our influence and, thereby, our responsibilities.

This panel brought together conservators and researchers who are initiating, experiencing, and examining these processes to explore the evolving influence a conservator may enact when caring for contemporary art, consciously or unconsciously.