From Start to Finish Exhibition

This exhibition, which ran from September 2011 to March 2012 as part of Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A., 1945-1980, focused on the materials and fabrication processes developed by De Wain Valentine for his large-scale sculptures and presented the complex conservation challenges associated with these works. The exhibition grew out of the Conservation Institute's technical studies of Los Angeles artists working with resins and plastics in the 1960s. It was also a rare opportunity to publicly focus on conservation dilemmas in contemporary art that are usually discussed behind the scenes.

One of the largest polyester pieces Valentine made was Gray Column (1975–76), which measured over 12 feet high and 8 feet wide and weighed over 3,500 pounds. Although polyester appears to be a relatively stable material, Valentine's sculptures are easily marked and scratched, and the resin itself continues to move after curing.

The pristine surface of his work—which is so crucial to its function—is therefore difficult to maintain. In fact, the usual procedure for conserving his work would be to resand and repolish the surface prior to display, thereby restoring the work's original appearance. But this would come at the expense of removing its surface, which offers an excellent example of a common conflict faced by conservators between honoring an artist's intent and preserving the integrity of the original materials.

The main sculpture was accompanied by preliminary sketches, drawings, and maquettes, including a slab of polyester that visitors could touch to understand the effect of sanding and polishing; wall texts detailing the process and relevant conservation issues; and short video clips.

The exhibition was restaged at the Wright Exhibition Space in Seattle as part of the show 9 from L.A. (September 2013–April 2014).