Capturing the Contemporary is a collaborative initiative among Hirshhorn conservators, curators, educators, and other staff to engage in a series of preservation-focused dialogues with artists about their works in the collection.
It has become globally recognized that artist interviews are an essential component in the conservation of modern and contemporary artworks. Artists continue to push boundaries by exploring unconventional materials and fabrication techniques. Further complications have arisen with the advent of installation and conceptual art. Communication with the artist is often necessary to elucidate not just how a work was made but also which components or qualities are central to its meaning, thus requiring preservation.
For access to interview videos and transcripts, send a request to hmsgcollections@si.edu.
Janine Antoni, February 11, 2015
Jae Ko, November 7, 2014
Claes Oldenburg, November 6, 2014
Jennie C. Jones, September 13, 2014
Siebren Versteeg, September 12, 2014
Robin Rose, March 6, 2014
Jake Chapman, December 11, 2013
Raphael Montañez Ortiz, October 25, 2013
Ann Hamilton, May 18, 2013
Dan Steinhilber, May 9, 2013
Kota Ezawa, May 2, 2013
Maggie Michael, March 21, 2013
Christo, March 28, 2013
Andrea Way, February 18, 2013
Vito Acconci, January 17, 2013
The Smithsonian Office of Fellowships and Internships’ Conservation of Museum Collections Program provided funding for conservation fellow Steven O’Banion to launch the Artist Interview Program. Nicholas Kaplan and Matthew Jex generously volunteered their time to film and edit the interviews. The Artist Interview Program is currently overseen by conservator Briana Feston-Brunet.