How do art conservators save video art from obsolescence?

If a painting on canvas rips or a marble sculpture shatters to pieces, art conservators are trained to respond accordingly and repair it. Artworks that unfold over time – like videos and software based works – are a different thing altogether. These artworks are made using cutting-edge technologies that are constantly being updated. If the “canvas” or medium an artwork is made on keeps shifting, how do art conservators protect these works from obsolescence?

Guests:

Jonathan Farbowitz, time-based media conservator

Jennifer and Kevin McCoy, artists

Ho Tzu Nyen, artist

Nora Kennedy, Sherman Fairchild Conservator In Charge, Photograph Conservation

Featured artworks:

Thomas Tompion (clockmaker) Jasper Braem (case), Longcase clock with calendrical, lunar, and tidal indications, also known as the Graves Tompion, ca. 1677–80: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/209296

Jennifer and Kevin McCoy, Every Shot, Every Episode, 2001: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/284985

Ho Tzu Nyen, The Critical Dictionary of Southeast Asia, 2017–present: https://cdosea.org

Cover art: Joseph Knibb (clockmaker), Longcase clock with calendar, ca. 1680–85: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/205601

For a transcript of the episode and more information, visit metmuseum.org/immaterialtime

#MetImmaterial

Immaterial is produced by The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Magnificent Noise and hosted by Camille Dungy.

Our production staff includes Salman Ahad Khan, Ann Collins, Samantha Henig, Eric Nuzum, Emma Vecchione, Sarah Wambold, and Jamie York. Additional staff includes Laura Barth, Julia Bordelon, Skyla Choi, Maria Kozanecka, and Rachel Smith.

Sound design by Ariana Martinez and Kristin Mueller.
Original music by Austin Fisher.
Fact-checking by Mary Mathis and Claire Hyman.

Immaterial is made possible by Dasha Zhukova Niarchos. Additional support is provided by the Zodiac Fund.

Special thanks to Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong, Avery Trufelman, associate conservator Jonathan Farbowitz, conservator in charge Nora Kennedy, collections technician Sam Winks, Kevin and Jennifer McCoy, Ho Tzu Nyen, associate curator Lesley Ma, and associate curator Lauren Rosati.

How do art conservators save video art from obsolescence?
If a painting on canvas rips or a marble sculpture shatters to pieces, art conservators are trained to respond accordingly and repair it. Artworks that unfold over time – like videos and software based works – are a different thing altogether. These artworks are made using cutting-edge technologies that are constantly being updated. If the “canvas” or medium an artwork is made on keeps shifting, how do art conservators protect these works from obsolescence?
Guests:
Jonathan Farbowitz, time-based media conservator
Jennifer and Kevin McCoy, artists
Ho Tzu Nyen, artist
Nora Kennedy, Sherman Fairchild Conservator In Charge, Photograph Conservation
Featured artworks:
Thomas Tompion (clockmaker) Jasper Braem (case), Longcase clock with calendrical, lunar, and tidal indications, also known as the Graves Tompion, ca. 1677–80: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/209296
Jennifer and Kevin McCoy, Every Shot, Every Episode, 2001: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/284985
Ho Tzu Nyen, The Critical Dictionary of Southeast Asia, 2017–present: https://cdosea.org
Cover art: Joseph Knibb (clockmaker), Longcase clock with calendar, ca. 1680–85: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/205601
For a transcript of the episode and more information, visit metmuseum.org/immaterialtime
#MetImmaterial
Immaterial is produced by The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Magnificent Noise and hosted by Camille Dungy.
Our production staff includes Salman Ahad Khan, Ann Collins, Samantha Henig, Eric Nuzum, Emma Vecchione, Sarah Wambold, and Jamie York. Additional staff includes Laura Barth, Julia Bordelon, Skyla Choi, Maria Kozanecka, and Rachel Smith.
Sound design by Ariana Martinez and Kristin Mueller. Original music by Austin Fisher. Fact-checking by Mary Mathis and Claire Hyman.
Immaterial is made possible by Dasha Zhukova Niarchos. Additional support is provided by the Zodiac Fund.
Special thanks to Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong, Avery Trufelman, associate conservator Jonathan Farbowitz, conservator in charge Nora Kennedy, collections technician Sam Winks, Kevin and Jennifer McCoy, Ho Tzu Nyen, associate curator Lesley Ma, and associate curator Lauren Rosati.

Stories of the materials used in making art are often as thought-provoking and illuminating as the objects themselves. From The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Immaterial examines the materials of art and what they can reveal about history and humanity. Each episode looks at a single material: paper, clay, jade, shells, and others, exploring the qualities and meanings that are often overlooked.

5,000 years of art, one material at a time

Immaterial: 5,000 Years of Art, One Material at a Time

Stories of the materials used in making art are often as thought-provoking and illuminating as the objects themselves. From The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Immaterial examines the materials of art and what they can reveal about history and humanity. Each episode looks at a single material: stone, linen, concrete, space, and more, exploring the qualities and meanings that are often overlooked.

Stories of the materials used in making art are often as thought-provoking and illuminating as the objects themselves. From The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Immaterial examines the materials of art and what they can reveal about history and humanity. Each episode looks at a single material: stone, linen, concrete, space, and more, exploring the qualities and meanings that are often overlooked.

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