Unraveling artʼs past, proposing its future
When did humans first become interested in repairing artworks? Ancient records reveal glimpses of people replacing the old and polishing. These techniques were often passed down discreetly as hidden skills, with details remaining vague. My research attempts to reconstruct the mysterious history of conservation and restoration, viewing it through intersections with medicine, science, aesthetics, and art history. I consider what constitutes an original and what more desirable preservation and restoration entail, examining these questions within the context of aesthetics and intellectual history. Exploring the diverse lives of artworks and their futures, I apply my research findings to the actual conservation of contemporary art and other works, devising methods to protect and preserve our future cultural heritage.
URL
https://kdb.iimc.kyoto-u.ac.jp/profile_private/en.397b15ee15676506.html