VOCA TALK: ARTIST ENGAGEMENT
MAY 14 & 15, 2015 AT THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CONSERVATION (AIC) CONFERENCE IN MIAMI
VoCA co-hosted a two-day presentation of 10 case studies highlighting the exceptional work of conservators working with artists in the conservation of their own work. This joint session was hosted in conjunction with the Electronic Media Group (EMG) + Objects & Sculpture Group (OSG) at the AIC conference.
May 14, 2015
Artist Intentions and the Conservation of Contemporary Art
Glenn Wharton
The Artists’ Dialogue Series: Exploring Materiality, Process, and Conservation with Artists from Los Angeles
Rachel Rivenc
From Theory to Practice: Instituting the Hirshhorn Artist Interview Program
Gwynne Ryan & Steven O’Banion
Beyond the Interview: Working with Artists in Time-based Media Conservation
Kate Lewis
Preserving What is Right: Learning the Ethics & Similarities of Collaborating with a Living Artist & Buddhist Monks
Celine Chretien
Discussion moderated by Jill Sterrett
May 15, 2015
Sol Lewitt’s Wall Drawings: Conservation of an Ephemeral Art Practice
John Hogan & Carol Snow
The Abandonment of Art: The Abandonment of Conservation, A Lygia Clark Retrospective at MoMA
Cindy Albertson
Conserving Anthony McCall’s Solid Light Films
Jeff Martin
The Butterfly Effect: A Case Study on the Value of Artist Collaboration in the Conservation of Ephemeral Material
Crista Pack
Neutralizing the Nuclear Option
Donna Williams
Discussion moderated by Glenn Wharton
HURRICANE SANDY AND DAMAGED ARTWORK: THE ARTIST’S EXPERIENCE
DECEMBER 8, 2013 AT THE DEDALUS FOUNDATION, BROOKLYN
The loss or significant damage of one’s artwork by a catastrophic event such as Hurricane Sandy undoubtedly leaves many artists with new thoughts about their legacy and its conservation. In this panel discussion, we explored differing experiences surrounding artwork damaged by the Hurricane and considered how these experiences have affected the art world’s relationship to contemporary conservation. An audio recording of the insightful & inspiring conversation that ensued is now available via Art International Radio.
Panelists: Rachel Beach, Artist; Diana Cooper, Artist; Beth Nunan, Conservator, American Museum of Natural History (moderator); Linda Serrone Rolon, Artist; Magdalena Sawon, Postmasters Gallery
VOICE OF THE ARTIST INTERVIEW PROGRAM: HURRICANE SANDY
OCTOBER 20 – DECEMBER 14, 2013 AT THE DEDALUS FOUNDATION, BROOKLYN
The Voice of the Artist: Hurricane Sandy interview program was a joint effort with VoCA and the Dedalus Foundation in conjunction with the exhibition “Come Together: Surviving Sandy, Year 1” held at the Dedalus Foundation offices in Industry City from October to December, 2013. Interviews were held starting Sunday, October 20th and then every Saturday from afternoon until the end of the exhibition.
During these times, a contemporary art conservator was on site to conduct short interviews with artists who were victims of Hurricane Sandy. These taped interviews focused on how the Hurricane affected the artist’s work, their approach to their craft, and/or their thoughts about conservation. The interviews provide an oral history of how the arts community was affected by the storm and also how it has worked toward recovery.
Participating conservators: Lisa Bruno, Steven O’Banion, Mareike Opena, Kendra Roth, and Glenn Wharton
Participating Artists: Rachel Beach, Susan L Berger, Diana Cooper, Suzanne Joelson, Darren Jones, Ronnie Landfield, Marlene McCarty, Josiah McElheny, Rona Pondick, Marie Roberts, Linda Serrone Rolon, Bill Schuck, Bosco Sodi, Gary Stephan, Daniel Torop, Lee Tribe, Arnold Wechsler, and Dustin Yellin
VOICE OF THE ARTIST: DE WAIN VALENTINE
JULY 16, 2013 AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART, WASHINGTON, DC
Working together with the Guggenheim and the Getty Conservation Institution, VoCA is proud to bring “From Start to Finish: The Story of Gray Column” to the National Gallery of Art. This 30-minute documentary recounts the remarkable story behind the making of De Wain Valentine’s Gray Column. The film follows the piece from its original concept to its display at the Getty Center for Valentine’s exhibition during Pacific Standard Time. Following the film, Tom Learner, Head of Modern and Contemporary Art Research, Getty Conservation Institute, spoke with De Wain Valentine about the creation of this monumental work of art and his thoughts on approaches to its conservation.
The film screening and artist conversation took place on July 16th, 2013 in the East Building Large Auditorium at the National Gallery of Art.
MOVING RESPONSIBILITIES: THE CARE OF PERFORMANCE-BASED SCULPTURE
MAY 30, 2013 AT THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CONSERVATION (AIC) ANNUAL MEETING IN INDIANAPOLIS
This joint program with VoCA, AIC and the IMA explored issues related to collecting, exhibiting, and conserving performance-based artworks, using the work of the internationally acclaimed artist duo Jennifer Allora and Guillermo Calzadilla as a set of case studies. The Indianapolis Museum of Art was selected to present the work of the Puerto Rico-based artist collaborative Allora & Calzadilla at the U.S. Pavilion for the 2011 Venice Biennale. This panel provided a rare opportunity for AIC’s members to hear presentations and discussions from the principal performer of the work Body in Flight (Delta) and a conservator who has worked on another work by the duo in MoMA’s collection, Stop, Repair, Prepare. Body in Flight (Delta) was performed at the AIC Opening Reception to over 700 mesmerized people! A video of this program is available on ArtBabble.
Participants: Sadie Wilhelmi, Dancer and Aerialist Performer; performer for for the internationally regarded art team Allora & Calzadilla; Glenn Wharton, Conservator of Time Based Media, Museum of Modern Art; Richard McCoy, Conservator of Objects & Variable Art, Indianapolis Museum of Art; Anastasia Tinari, Weisenberger Fellow of America Art, Indianapolis Museum of Art
PRESERVING DIGITAL ART
NOVEMBER 11, 2012 IN SEATTLE AT THE MUSEUM COMPUTER NETWORK CONFERENCE
This panel discussion brought together an artist with a curator, a conservator, and a technology expert to discuss various aspects of creating, displaying, storing, and preserving digital artworks within the context of museum data storage systems. The technical aspects of storing digital artworks are complicated and often daunting for museum professionals. These issues are only now being discussed widely within the context of art conservation. The discussion provided a multi-faceted approach in an effort to explore the complexities of preserving digital art while also addressing the larger issues of storing digital media. A video of this program is available via YouTube.
Participants: Penelope Umbrico, artist; Jeffrey Martin, Time-Based Art Conservator/Moving Image Archivist; Koven J. Smith, Director of Technology, Denver Art Museum; Richard McCoy, Conservator of Objects & Variable Art, Indianapolis Museum of Art
“inside installations”
february 2011
Private screening of a new film, Inside Installations, which describes three case studies of contemporary artists and their installation projects. Screening followed by a moderated discussion led by VoCA’s Founding Board Member, Glenn Wharton. Organized in conjunction with the New York Regional Association for Conservation (NYRAC).
An evening with john gerrard
october 2010
Presentation by media artist John Gerrard of his recent work followed by a conversation about media conservation between Mr. Gerrard, Associate Curator Barbara London, and Media Conservator Glenn Wharton. Organized in conjunction with the Museum of Modern Art and Independent Media Arts Preservation (IMAP).
Case studies in Contemporary Art
may 2010
Three presentations and a moderated panel discussion at the American Institute for Conservation annual meeting in Milwaukee. Co-sponsored with the Object and Electronic Media Specialty groups.
The Importance of the Artist’s Voice: Conservation and the Work of Liz Larner and Michael C. McMillen
february 2009
Panel discussion at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Los Angeles. In conjunction with the annual meeting of the College Arts Association.
interview methodology for conservators
april 2008
Workshop presented at the annual meeting of the American Institute for Conservation, Denver.
Preserving Nam June Paik’s Video Installations: The Importance of the Artist’s Voice
february 2007
Panel discussion at the Museum of Modern Art, New York as part of the annual CAA conference. Co-organized by VoCA, MoMA, and the American Institute for Conservation. Sponsored by the Getty Conservation Institute.
the conservation of new media art
june 2006
Held at the Public Art Network Pre-conference of the Americans for the Arts annual conference in Milwaukee. Co-organized with The National Park Service.