Modern and Contemporary Art Research Initiative

Multi-Project Initiative

Multifaceted, long-term research program focusing on the many and varied conservation needs of modern and contemporary art

Two large pieces of three-dimensional modern art in a museum gallery

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About

Goal

The myriad of materials and technologies used by artists, the lack of established conservation treatments, and potential conflicts between an artist’s concept and physical aging of works of art make conserving modern and contemporary art widely recognized as having some of the most difficult and pressing challenges in the field. To address this, the Modern and Contemporary Art Initiative is undertaking multifaceted, long-term research in recognition of the critical need for coordinated work.

More Information

See full project description, including publications and resources.

Projects in This Initiative

  1. Art in L.A.

    Multiple modern art pieces sit in an empty museum gallery

    New findings into materials and fabrication processes of Los Angeles-based artists since the 1950s and their significance for conservation

  2. Modern Paints

    A colorful array of dozens of paint samples

    New research into the cleaning, chemical analysis, and physical characterization of paintings made with synthetic paint media

  3. Outdoor Sculpture

    A snowy field filled with modern steel sculptures

    Research on approaches and materials for the conservation of Modern and Contemporary Outdoor Sculpture

  4. Preservation of Plastics

    Museum exhibit featuring an assortment of colorful plastic chairs

    New research to better understand aging and deterioration of a wide range of plastics to improve conservation strategies to preserve them

  5. Concrete Art in Argentina and Brazil

    A modern painting with a white background and straight, symmetrical blue lines

    New research on materials, techniques, and processes used by the most influential abstract modern artists in Latin America