Curate and Conserve (unseen) Flashcards
Discuss one method of conservation involved in the display of an artwork in an exhibition space (eg)
When displaying (name of work) it is important to display the (oil painting) in an environment where there are no drastic fluctuations in temperature. Because extreme temperatures can result in cracking/flaking of the emulsion layer, or stimulate chemical reactions in the oil paint, the artwork should be kept at a temperature of 20 degrees celsius to minimise deterioration of these materials.
Explain the responsibilities of the curator in conserving this artwork during transportation to the exhibition space and preparation for display (eg)
When preparing to display (name of work) the curator would oversee the transportation of the (media eg. oil painting).
Due to its relatively small scale, the oil painting would be carefully carried to the exhibition space for greater ease of transportation.
After leaving it to acclimatise for 24 hrs, the curator, supervised by technicians, would carefully lift the painting from the trolley tothe display area wearing powder-free nitrile gloves to prevent finger prints from etching into the surface of the work.
The curator would then work with the exhibition designer to discuss the order/placement of the work in relation to other paintings, as well as advice on wall fixtures/mounting to ensure secure hanging.
Explain the responsibilities of a curator in presenting an artwork for display in an exhibition space.
When presenting (name of artwork) for exhibition, the curator would be responsible for planning and coordinating the exhibition in which the installation is to be presented in.
This would be done by liaising with both the artist and exhibition designer around the floor plan of the gallery space, accommodating the size of the work to the space, and discussing the flow of visitors into the space so that they can view the installation with easy access.
The curator would also research and write didactics for the installation in preparation for display.
Describe the methods used to conserve and care for an artwork displayed in an exhibition that you have studied this year (Anguish)
August Friedrich Schenck’s oil painting ‘Anguish,’ presented in the NGV, is displayed under a range of conservational methods.
Because light damage is cumulative and affects all works, the oil painting is displayed away from direct sunlight under incandescent tungsten bulbs at around 150 lux, preventing the colours from fading/cracking and flaking.
Additionally, the temperature is kept relatively constant at around 20 degrees Celsius, with relative humidity at around 50% preventing fluctuations which can result in cleavage and the breakdown of physical structures, as well as mould growth.
