Sanneke Stigter

This research focuses on the challenges, practices and the impact of conservation treatment and installation history of photography based contemporary/conceptual artworks by Ger van Elk, Jan Dibbets and Joseph Kosuth from the late 1960s, early 1970s. The selected case studies show a complex relation between concept and material, which becomes especially clear at decisive moments in their biographies. Reinstallation and presentation practices, relocation, artist?s intervention, replacement of parts, conservation treatment as well as acceptance of material change are all decided on to reassure the continuity of the artwork?s life in museum practice. The effect of these kinds of interventions will be analysed and possible future conservation strategies will be designed as well as performed as part of this research. The aim is to develop a more open and reflective approach of museum practice in conservation methodology, foregrounding the constructed nature of decision-making in conservation and installation practice.

See short summary on project website of the Research Programme New Strategies in Conservation of Contemporary Art