For the first time, an essay that discusses the very timely but unfamiliar issues of the restoration of contemporary artworks.
Contemporary art restoration that has yet to be fully explored, raising problematic questions that have little in common with those of traditional art restoration. Limited knowledge of the new, constantly evolving techniques and materials of contemporary art and of the durability of new media has nearly always led to the decision to avoid intervention.
Today there is a growing tendency to consider restoration possible, in the presence of two fundamental conditions: knowledge of the techniques and materials involved, and awareness of their meaning in the work of the artist.
This essay approaches the subject in terms of both methodology and science. The illustrations show examples ranging from painting to photography, sculpture to installation, video to the new net art.
The book also contains a glossary and listings of pertinent organizations and research centers.