Academic thesis
| Paulina Potel: | A matte white painted light object with polymer optical fibers. Investigation of the interactive artwork “Lichtbesen - brom up your life” (2010) by Gerry Ammann with a focus on preventive and preservative measures | Back |
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| Abstract: | The subject of this thesis is the light object “Lichtbesen - brom up your life” (2010), as well as the associated video work “Der Lichtbesen” (2013) by the artist Gerry Ammann. The object, with the appearance of a broom, is based on an interactive concept and is presented in a hanging position. Its bristles made of polymer optical fibers illuminate in different colors through an RGB-LED positioned inside the object. The internal construction of the object consists of an unplasticized PVC pipe and wooden strips covered with polystyrene dissolved in acetone. The entire surface of the object is painted with a modified lime paint in a matte white color. The present state of preservation of the work is characterized, among other things, by traces of physical interactions as well as damage phenomena connected to the material properties and manufacturing process. Cracks in the polystyrene, a broken optical fiber, as well as imperfections in the paint can be observed. In addition, the paint shows flaking and abrasions with a powdery surface. As part of this paper, a comprehensive examination and documentation of the object in its materiality and functionality is carried out. Using FTIR-ATR and pyrolysis-GC/MS analyses the present materials are characterized. The construction of the artwork as well as the position of the electronic and electrical components will be documented with the help of an X-ray radiography and presented in a circuit diagram. The properties of the present materials, the artistic concept as well as the history of the object and its manufacturing process will be discussed and an assessment of the current condition will be made. In addition, possible risks and changes are evaluated. Essential sources for this are two interviews with the artist as well as the footage of the video work “Der Lichtbesen” (2013). The aim of the conservation concept developed from this research is to preserve the artwork in its present condition. Followed by in-depth literature research on modified lime paints and a series of tests based on the object, the flaking and powdery paint will be consolidated with JunFunori® and mixtures of JunFunori® and sturgeon glue. As a preventive measure, the characteristics of the chromatic light emitted by the polymeric optical fibers are documented using complementary methods. Photographic documentation, spectrometric measurements, and recordings of the current absorbed by the electronic and electrical components are used to create a basis for maintaining the intended lighting properties. |
| Keywords: | light, LEDs, modified lime paint, polymer optical fibers, fluoropolymer, polystyrene, musealisation, interactive artwork, consolidation, JunFunori®, documentation of light art |
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