Theory and Practice in the Conservation of Modern and Contemporary Art

The papers in this volume, from the Hildesheim symposium, Theory an Practice in the Conservation of Modern and Contemporary Art: Reflections on the Roots and the Perspectives, confront the theoretical foundation and the ethical and aesthetical principles of the conservation of modern and contemporary art, testing the limits and possibilities of the development of established positions and seeking new challenges.

The authors tackle the crucial question - whether there should be specific theoretical, ethical and aesthetical guidelines for the conservation and restoration of modern and contemporary art - by starting from important historical theories and seeing how these might be adapted to meet the demands of contemporary society in dealing with modern artworks an all the multiform cultural manifestations of today.

Since the preservation of the concepts and ideas f the contemporary art as well as the consevation of substitution of materials requires a highly sophisticated knowledge of the artist's intentions, a most important voice in this context - that of the artist - is found in the interviews with the several contemporary artists and collectors assembled in the appendices.

Table of contents (pdf-file)

Cover Theory and Practice in the Conservation of Modern and Contemporary Art