      
|
Factors which can affect your art collection;
Here are few examples: Most Asian artists, galleries and framers obliterate the most important function and understanding of a stretched canvas. As it carries gesso and paint, which are porous materials, all these components need to be in the correct tension to be able to carry the work of art for long time, otherwise unnatural cracks and loss of paint is visible and decay of the pieces is hastened. Therefore the use of a stretcher with keys enable the work of art to stay in the correct tension. In most cases we see fixed stretchers very crudely made, which are not able to move and adjust to the climate changes. a) stretcher with keys is very significant for works of art and here in Asia especially, as we have very humid periods and very dry periods so the canvases become loose and then very tight. Sagging and overstretching are the most common characteristics of this. b) mounting works on paper with plywood backing, sometimes glued with synthetic glue on the matting, irreversibly damages the work of art. We see this far too many times. c) transportation and packing. Most of the damage to works of art I have witnessed here are caused by incorrect or inappropriate packing of objects even by "professionals". Incorrect materials are used to pack and incorrect procedures are often the cause of substantial damage. d) correct lighting There is very little knowledge about correct lighting in Asia (apart from Japan and a few exceptions). Most follow more aesthetic purposes or design purposes and ignore the most important aspect which is the content of the light. UV, Lux and heat are rarely taken into account when organizing a show, a museum or an exhibition. The use of spotlights with an uneven spread over the work of art is still widely practised. e) air conditioning and ventilation. In corporate buildings, air conditioning is often running very high, but in most cases, the system stops at night, producing a condensation which transforms into humidity and sometimes water, which speeds up foxing on paper and fungi on paintings. A more moderate control will be much better for works of art, the environment and us. The solution ? Keep your space ventilated, never place works of art in stuffy rooms. Air needs to circulate. Even humid air is better than no air! Dehumidifiers are essential during this period of the year. Air conditioning (AC) should not be set too high, as it produces condensation. A relative humidity (RH) of 60-70% and temperature of 20-25 Celsius is best. Behind paintings and works of art, position stoppers which allow the painting to not be in direct contact with the wall and be able to 'breathe'. This will enhance air circulation and reduce mold. Take down your paintings sometimes, dust them carefully, let them breathe and then change their position. Don't use any cleaning products around paintings. Invest in a stretcher with keys. If you operate a gallery which provides materials to your painters, give them good product. This will pay off in the long term. Remove and don't place stickers on the back on canvases. Some galleries place stickers directly on the canvas, which can cause damage as the glue eats through the canvas. If you wish to ask any questions about your works of art, we are happy to answer you. Images (from top) :
|
