Innovative Technology In Art Conservation

"Innovative Technology in Art Conservation provides one of the first ever critical assessments of innovation in conservation science and questions what role it should play in conservation and conservation ethics. Written in language understandable for the non-technical reader, the book begins with a brief history of so-called science-based conservation, which is based on chemistry, physics and engineering, and examines how it influences conservation ethics and conservation decisions. It considers the concepts of originality and original appearance, and how people see and perceive objects, looking in particular at the results of the relatively new technology of eye-tracking. Wei then moves on to critically examine advanced technologies such as colour modelling, hyperspectral imaging, texture mapping, virtual retouching and digital reproductions and considers what they offer for determining original appearance of artworks and other cultural heritage objects. The book concludes with some reflections on the future of conservation and science-based conservation, calling for more thoughtful consideration of what it is that conservation scientists are offering, and why and for whom it is being offered. Innovative Technology in Art Conservation is essential reading for academics and students working in conservation and conservation science. The book will also be of interest to the international community of conservators and cultural heritage professionals who must make decisions about whether to use advanced technologies in their practice"--

Innovative Technology in Art Conservation provides one of the first ever critical assessments of innovation in conservation science and questions what role it should play in conservation and conservation ethics. Written in language understandable for the non-technical reader, the book begins with a brief history of so-called science-based conservation, which is based on chemistry, physics and engineering, and examines how it influences conservation ethics and conservation decisions. It considers the concepts of originality and original appearance, and how people see and perceive objects, looking in particular at the results of the relatively new technology of eye-tracking. Wei then moves on to critically examine advanced technologies such as colour modelling, hyperspectral imaging, texture mapping, virtual retouching and digital reproductions and considers what they offer for determining original appearance of artworks and other cultural heritage objects. The book concludes with some reflections on the future of conservation and science-based conservation, calling for more thoughtful consideration of what it is that conservation scientists are offering, and why and for whom it is being offered. Innovative Technology in Art Conservation is essential reading for academics and students working in conservation and conservation science. The book will also be of interest to the international community of conservators and cultural heritage professionals who must make decisions about whether to use advanced technologies in their practice.

Since 1995, when Costas Fotakis first brought together restorers and scientists to discuss the potential of lasers in art conservation, the field has grown enormously in importance, and today restorers and laser scientists work together to develop new applications. This book presents the more than six dozen research papers prepared for LACONA V (Lasers in Art Conservation), held in Osnabrueck/Germany in September 2003. The fifth congress once again gathered restorers, art historians, museum staff, laser scientists and laser manufacturers. The topics include, among others: laser cleaning of artworks (case studies and side effects), removal of former conservation layers, fundamentals of laser-artwork interaction, online monitoring and process control, laser diagnostics, spectroscopy for monitoring and identification, networks and cooperation projects.

New media art, produced at the intersection of science and technology, makes up the majority of a Museum of Contemporary Art's holdings. However, technological obsolescence and the technical complexity of the works make their conservation-restoration an ongoing challenge. The Theory of Evolutive Conservation addresses this problem and offers alternatives and solutions from the production of new media art to recreation as a strategy of permanence through change.

Cultural Heritage Conservation for Early Learners explores how to introduce young audiences to art conservation. Conservators and educators from around the world share their approach to creating engaging, hands-on programs for children aged three to eight and their caregivers. Drawing on their experiences as conservators and educators, the authors provide an in-depth look at the Smithsonian Institution’s popular “Art & Me” family workshops. Readers will gain practical insights into the workshop design, which draws upon years of program evaluation and discover how these workshops foster an understanding of cultural preservation; familiarize attendees with museum spaces; and encourage a sense of responsibility for preserving history and culture. The book also explores case studies beyond the United States, showcasing diverse approaches to early learner engagement in cultural heritage conservation. These real-world examples, encompassing various settings and collaborations, delve into the adaptation of virtual and online resources in response to contemporary challenges. Cultural Heritage Conservation for Early Learners is an indispensable guide for emerging and established educators, conservators, and museum professionals who wish to integrate art conservation and cultural heritage preservation into early learning. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in innovative, arts integration teaching methods that enhance critical thinking and foster a deeper appreciation of cultural heritage.

New media art, produced at the intersection of art, science and technology, makes up the majority of a Museum of Contemporary Art's collections. However, technological obsolescence and technical fragility of the artworks make their conservation-restoration an ongoing challenge. A new theoretical approach to permanence through change addresses this problem and offers alternatives and solutions from the production to recreation of new media art.

New media art, produced at the intersection of art, science and technology, makes up the majority of a Museum of Contemporary Art's collections. However, technological obsolescence and technical fragility of the artworks make their conservation-restoration an ongoing challenge. A new theoretical approach to permanence through change addresses this problem and offers alternatives and solutions from the production to recreation of new media art.

This volume seeks a solution to the problem of methods of preservation for the rapidly developing and complex field of contemporary and modern visual art. Despite adopting the new concept of heritage, the aims and methods of conservation have remained the same, evolving very slowly by following some changes in the history of ideas, human experience and techniques of conservation. The authors of Innovative Approaches to the Complex Care of Modern and Contemporary Art relate complex conservation practices to an awareness of the need for a multidimensional approach to the care of modern and contemporary art. Maintaining a dialogue with history, they boldly confront the typical patterns and accepted evolution of the theory of conservation by looking at the wider perspective including the most recent history of any work of art - documentation, interviews with artists, records of image, the sound of performance, consent to e-installation, emulation etc. - and bearing in mind as the first principle primum non nocere and various legal issues.