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Ger van Elk. Conservation problems of colour photography in contemporary art (2003, July 4)
creator(s) Sanneke Stigter (conservator/art historian)
publisher Limburg Conservation Institute, Netherlands Institute of Cultural Heritage
English Summary
‘Ger van Elk - conservation issues of colour photography in contemporary art’ is the title of this final diploma thesis of the Training Programme of Conservation and Restoration of Paintings and Painted Objects, with a specialization in the Conservation of Modern Art, at the Limburg Conservation Institute (Stichting Restauratie Atelier Limburg) in Maastricht, The Netherlands.
The unconventional use of colour photography in modern art objects causes problems, as seen in works by different artists and especially in Ger van Elk’s oeuvre. An overview is given. Recent conservation practice and the history of some of the works by Van Elk is scrutinized and analysed in relation to the art making process, the artist’s intention, the meaning of the artwork, the opinion of the artist then and now. It makes clear that attitude of the artist towards conservation ethics is controversial.
This research project deals with ethical issues of authenticity, the artist’s intention, use of materials, vintage prints, patina, the artist’s opinion, conservation ethics, replacement and reconstruction as well as the practical side of museum policy, preventive conservation and conservation. Preparation of the artist’s interview as well as the interview itself, which was organized by the Dutch Foundation of the Conservation of Modern Art, is also part of the research project.
In different Dutch museums, several works by Ger van Elk have been investigated and were subject of conservation treatment. The sculpture Roquebrune relates specifically to the issues discussed, as the photograph in this work shows severe discolouration. The decision-making is explained and an alternative to the usual practice of replacement of colour photography is developed.
Dutch
final diploma thesis concluding the training program for the Conservation of Paintings and Painted Objects with a specialization in Modern Art
112 p.
Maastricht, Amsterdam
SRAL, ICN
 Copyright Protected
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