Back to Black

Die Konservierung der mattschwarzen Fassung eines dreidimensionalen Bildobjektes aus der Serie „Signale“ von Peter Hauser, 1969

Abstract

BACK TO BLACK – The conservation of a monochrome matte black paint layer of a three-dimensional artwork by Peter Hauser, 1969
The conservation and restoration of severe damages to the paint layers of a matt monochrome object was the focus of a seminar paper at the Institute for Conservation Restoration at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. The three-dimensional artwork by Peter Hauser „SIG-OB. 4/72“, dated 1969, Collection of the Neue Galerie Graz, exhibited numerous areas of tenting paint layers caused by shrinkage of the wooden support in combination with a weakly bound chalk-glue ground layer underneath the black PVA paint layer. During the development of the treatment concept, emphasis was placed on the consolidation of the paint layer and the evaluation of a method for filling and retouching with the highest possible degree of integration. The paper describes the tests for the selection of the appropriate adhesive and presents a method to consolidate the flaking paint layers using a dental micro cutter in combination with a paper facing. Both, the consolidation as well as the filling and retouching of the sensitive, matt black paint layers were extremely difficult, as the properties of the sensitive, matte surface greatly restricted the choice of suitable conservation materials and methods.