Andrea Natali

Traditional and non-traditional, innovative and ephemeral materials and techniques in today’s cultural heritage

When working with products of contemporary art, one must consider traditional, innovative, and ephemeral materials, depending on the artist’s intentions, to which concepts of originality and authenticity do not always apply. Case studies are discussed to compare the conservation and restoration procedures of works of art from different periods. The importance of involving historical-technical experts, authors, and manufacturers of materials used in artifacts is highlighted. Conservation procedures cannot be the same for all works of contemporary art. One must employ a methodology based on the critical study of not only the materials used, but also the philosophy and creative conceptual intentions of the artist.