2004-6-16 to 2014-8-15: The birth and death of a work by Gu Dexin. (1st June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moy, Sara A.
• Is Part Of: Studies in conservation. Volume 61:Number 2(2016)supplement
• Page Start: 137
• Page End: 141
• Publication Date: 2016-06-01
• Subjects: Gu Dexin -- Contemporary art conservation -- Installation art -- Site- specific art -- Contemporary Chinese art -- Ephemeral art -- Art in China; Art objects -- Conservation and restoration -- Periodicals; 700.288
• DOI: 10.1080/00393630.2016.1196432
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0039-3630

Abstract

Abstract : Conservators who work with contemporary materials are experiencing a paradigm shift that affects not only their role, but also the decision-making process associated with each unique work. Importantly, such actions sometimes contradict established preservation doctrine. This paper describes the challenging preservation efforts associated with a large-scale sculpture/installation produced in 2004 by Gu Dexin. Those efforts contradicted many of the standards and ethics of conservation, particularly considerations related to compromising the life of a given work. Ultimately, the decision made in this case led to the demise of that object. This paper will include information obtained from the various stakeholders — including the donor and the artist — and a compendium of the exhaustive considerations that facilitated the final decision.