Conservation strategies (April 2007)
creator(s) Thomas Zirlewagen (conservator); Fenna Yola Tykwer (conservator)

A work like Liquid Time II represents a challenge in terms of both its daily maintenance and long-term preservation simply because of its materiality and its specific implementation of media technology. For example, the deliberately rusted steel surfaces in combination with running water represent a serious risk of degradation by corrosion. In addition, there are the twenty-one monitors, which are subject to extreme conditions first because they are built into the turning wheel and second because they run for long periods when being exhibited. Moreover, many other parts, like the video equipment, are subject to heavy mechanical loads through constant use. The problems described here make it clear why the assembling and the exhibition of this video sculpture require constant supervision by a team with members from museum services, technical specialists, and conservators.
Throughout the presentation of the work, many questions and problems emerged that had to be considered when developing the conservation and restoration strategies.

Click download for PDF.

Copyright Protected