ICON Contemporary Art: Tsai Art and Science Foundation on the conservation and presentation of Wen-Ying Tsai’s Cybernetic Art

Tickets: please book a free ticket via the Icon website, linked below.

Join us for a talk by Ming Tsai, son of artist Wen-Ying Tsai, as he reflects on the role of the Foundation and their collaboration with different stakeholders to ensure the on-going display of Tsai’s kinetic, cybernetic and light sculptures.

Wen-Ying Tsai (1928 – 2013) was an American pioneer of cybernetic sculpture, kinetic and light art, celebrated for his use of electric motors, stainless steel rods, stroboscopic light and audio feedback control. Tate acquired one of Tsai’s key cybernetic sculptures, Umbrella, in 1972. Additionally, two other works were acquired in 2022: Square Tops (1969) and Upward Falling Fountain (1986). Likely due initially to some poor transport handling, Umbrella experienced mechanical failure requiring a series of treatments since 2003. This necessitated close collaboration between the artist’s foundation and various conservation teams.

Ming’s presentation will introduce Wen-Ying Tsai’s artworks and the role of the foundation in sharing knowledge and skills with the owners of the works. Ming will reflect on working with galleries and museums to display his father’s works, and the collaborative effort in keeping each work functioning.

Following on from the presentation, Ming will then join a panel discussion with two Tate conservators who have worked on the conservation of Umbrella, followed by an open discussion with you, our audience.