| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T24: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
Scientific Methods in Art, Archeology, and Art Conservation Science
|
| Presentation Title |
Microanalysis of the Composition of Warhol’s Oxidation Paintings |
| Author(s) |
Christopher M. Hefferan, Rikke Foulke, Ryan A. Booth, William Koshut, Michael J. Deible |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Christopher M. Hefferan |
| Abstract Scope |
One of the many unintended consequences of the lockdown during the Covid-19 Pandemic was the closure of much of the world’s museums. Collectively, these museums were not just closed to the general public, but also less accessible to the staff necessary to preserve and maintain the housed artwork. In this presentation, we discuss the consequences of an HVAC incident at the Andy Warhol Museum during the Summer of 2020. Here, one of the oxidation paintings was subjected to elevated humidity and temperature cycles that resulted in irreversible damage. With a collection of analytical techniques, the Warhol oxidation paintings were evaluated to better understand the interaction of urine on brass and the resulting chemical compounds that form during this modern method of artist expression. It will also guide future conservation efforts in this media. |