by Ellen Jansen

Student in Restoration and Conservation of Modern and Contemporary Art University of Amsterdam

Period

November 2009 – July 2010

Title

A best practice guide for the conservation of L.E.D. moving message signs

Keywords

L.E.D., light, computer-based art, documentation, conservation

Abstract

L.E.D. moving message signs are examples of computer-based art. Although they have been primarily used as a commercial aid, artists like Jenny Holzer have incorporated L.E.D. signs into their oeuvre. Not only museums but also galleries and private collectors will encounter difficulties when trying to conserve these signs, since the guaranteed lifespan of these artworks usually is only ten years. When technology is changing rapidly, the number of experts on obsolete technology will decrease and parts of the electronic circuit will be taken out of production. Unfortunately, not enough research has been done until now concerning the play back equipment of certain new media and the possibility to emulate computer-based artworks.

This thesis will try to answer several questions concerning the conservation of L.E.D. moving message signs. First of all, some light will be shed on the technology of the L.E.D. display and the difference between signs from the eighties and modern signs. Also, what are the problems that conservators can encounter that will make the object stop functioning? A part of the research will be dedicated to the documentation and preventive conservation of the signs, since thorough knowledge of the objects and their degradation circumstances can increase their longevity. Should restoration of the artwork be the only possibility, several options can be considered – these will be discussed in the last part of the thesis. Selections from the Survival Series (1983) by Jenny Holzer, a work that is also part of the PACKED project, will be used as a case study.

Supervisors

Drs. Sanneke Stigter, Dr. J.P.B.M. de Vries, co-supervisors drs. René Hoppenbrouwers and Gaby Wijers

Language

Dutch

Contact

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