In the past seven years, I have had the privilege of restoring 1.5K artworks. Each piece presented its own unique challenges, testing my skills and deepening my appreciation for the diverse world of art. Here’s a glimpse into my journey and the obstacles I encountered along the way.
The artworks I restored ranged from classical oil paintings to contemporary mixed media pieces.Each restoration required a tailored approach, considering the specific medium, age, and condition of the piece. My work involved cleaning, stabilizing, and repairing, with the ultimate goal of preserving the artist’s original intent while ensuring the artwork’s longevity. One of the major challenges I faced was dealing with material degradation. Many artworks suffered from damage due to environmental factors such as humidity, temperature fluctuations, and exposure to light. Oil paintings often exhibited cracking and yellowing varnish, while works on paper were prone to brittleness and discoloration. Identifying the appropriate conservation methods for each type of damage was a constant challenge.
Contemporary artworks frequently incorporate unconventional materials like plastics, organic matter, and digital components. These materials posed unique preservation challenges, often lacking established restoration protocols. Researching and experimenting with new techniques and materials became an integral part of my practice. Restoring an artwork often involves making difficult decisions about how much intervention is appropriate. Balancing the preservation of the artist’s original work with the need to stabilize and repair the piece was a delicate task. Involving living artists in the restoration process helped, but it also brought new challenges, as their evolving perspectives influenced the restoration approach.
Digital and multimedia artworks required a different set of skills and knowledge. Keeping up with rapidly advancing technology to restore and preserve these pieces was a significant challenge. This often meant collaborating with technology experts to ensure that the digital components of artworks were preserved accurately. Art restoration is a time-intensive and resource-heavy process. Managing the availability of high- quality materials and the cost of specialized tools and equipment was a constant balancing act. Securing funding and support for large-scale restoration projects required significant effort and persistence. Despite the challenges, the past seven years have been immensely rewarding. Successfully restoring a collection of historical oil paintings for a museum brought new life to works that had been neglected for decades.
Developing innovative techniques for preserving contemporary mixed media artworks sets new standards in the field. Working closely with living artists to restore their works ensured their vision was preserved while stabilizing the artworks for future generations. The journey of restoring 5,826 artworks over the past seven years has been both challenging and fulfilling. Each artwork told its own story and required a unique approach to restoration. Through perseverance, continuous learning, and collaboration, I have been able to overcome the obstacles and contribute to the preservation of our rich cultural heritage. This experience has not only honed my skills as a restorer but also deepened my appreciation for the diverse and ever-evolving world of art.
