Simone Mager
specialised in conservation and restoration of painting and sculpture
Cologne Institute of Conservation Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Cologne
Period
2007
Title
Canvas without auxiliary support in contemporary art – Textile supports with special properties and requierments
Keywords
Canvas without auxiliary support, unmounted canvas
Abstract
Unmounted canvas is a widely used design element in contemporary art. The degree to which such art is stretched when displayed on a wall depends on the artist’s conception of the work in question. It differs from traditional canvas painting in physical and mechanical terms as well as in its capacity for conservation. This paper will explore a wide range of design elements by referring to specific works by various artists. Unmounted canvas paintings will be compared with traditional canvas paintings to show their technical differences. A series of experiments on the humidity-related properties of unstretched linen and cotton fabrics will help to show their mechanical and physical properties in detail. The paper will also deal with the stress and strain mechanisms that vary according to the way in which a work is installed. It will identifiy challenges relating to mounting, storage and transport and suggest preventive measures and approaches to the proper handling of such canvas.
Supervisors
Prof. Hans Portsteffen and Dipl. Rest. Andreas Hoppmann
Language
German
Contact
Through the Cologne Institute of Conservation Sciences
http://db.re.fh-koeln.de/ICSFH/Daten/datenbanken.aspx