A newly forming network, the Contemporary Art Network (AIC-CAN!), is seeking papers for a session at the AIC's 47th Annual Meeting in New England, to discuss the shifting roles of the conservator in contemporary art, and to foster interdisciplinary collaboration; recognizing that the theoretical, philosophical, and practical challenges of contemporary art conservation cross material specialty lines.
The conceptual considerations that predicate much of contemporary art make its conservation much more than slowing down its physical change. We become mediators in the continual negotiation between the unavoidable physical aging of modern materials and artistic intent. New forms of art embody their core and idea in certificates, iterations or exhibition copies, and often cannot be defined by their physical presence. Materially, these artifacts raise new questions of authenticity and challenge established conservation approaches. As such, our profession as conservators not only demands collaborative action with multiple invested entities, but also requires us to constantly update and broaden our tools and tactics to stay abreast with the newest materials adapted for artistic use, embracing unprecedented forms of art. CAN! is founded by a group of contemporary art conservators from private practice and museums. Its goals are to create and coordinate a platform for recognizing and approaching the complexity of contemporary art conservation and a sense of community amongst conservators and other professionals, both in person and online. Founding group of Contemporary Art Network (AIC-CAN!): J. Luca Ackerman Network Chair Associate Conservator, The Better Image, New York ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>) Kate Moomaw Program Chair Associate Conservator of Modern and Contemporary Art, Denver Art Museum, Colorado ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>) Mareike Opeña Program Chair Associate Conservator, Contemporary Conservation Ltd, New York ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>) Giuliana Moretto Program Board Associate Conservator, Contemporary Conservation Ltd, New York ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>) Delia Müller-Wüsten Program Board Associate Conservator, Contemporary Conservation Ltd, New York ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>) Martha Singer Higher Logic CAN! Network Moderator Director of Material Whisperer Consultation and Conservation Services, New Jersey ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>) Session Topic Chairs: Mareike Opeña and Kate Moomaw Our session is called: New Tactics: The Evolving Role of the Conservator in Contemporary Art It is intended to frame and launch CAN! as a new platform of expertise, reflection and innovation embedded within the larger AIC-community. We explicitly welcome all participants and attendees to engage in discussion and exchange around the session itself, as well as on further developing/defining the future of AIC-CAN!. Possible topics for submissions include: * Relationships between artists and fabricators; * Processes of artmaking today and possible roles of conservators therein; * Decision-making/negotiation in collaborative settings; * Reproduction, replication, exhibition copies and the question of authenticity; * A conservator’s place in the process; * Challenges of preserving nontraditional materials and techniques; * Recognizing, preserving - or not preserving - ephemerality; * Documentation of complex and variable media, such as installation and performance art; * Does conservation affect the value and/or meaning of an artwork Submissions are due September 15th 2018. Authors may submit abstracts directly to this session or the open call through the OpenWater abstract submission portal<https://aic.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/home/1081>. Presentation length should be planned at 18-20 minutes to allow about 10 minutes for questions and discussion. ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [email protected] Searchable archives: http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/
