Time-Based Media Art

It's a portrait image of Urs Fischer from in front and below, so he's looking at his phone. Not yet melted enough to have any dripping wax bits

Urs Fischer, Francesco, 2017, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, Purchased with the assistance of the National Gallery of Australia Gala Fund 2019. © Urs Fischer. Courtesy of the artist and Sadie Coles HQ, London.

Time-based media art describes works of art that are dependent on time, duration, or function. This includes: video, film and audio artworks that have a duration; installation artworks; and artworks that function only for the duration of their time on display, such as computer-based and mechanical works of art.

The wide range of complex technologies used to create works of art like these pose unique challenges as the hardware and software are specific to the technologies available at the time of manufacture. The role of a Time-Based Media Conservator is to assess the long-, medium- and short-term changes that an artwork may undergo because of changing technologies, practices, and environments. At the National Gallery this includes: migrating and digitising audio-visual films and videos; repairing, and organising replacements for mechanical works of art; preparing time-based works of art for display or loan; providing on-going maintenance for complex works of art on display; and undertaking extensive documentation.

Time-Based Media Artworks

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Conservation

Preventive

Two women enclose a paper-wrapped object in a plastic bag to undergo preventative conservation

The Preventative Conservation team’s aim is to preserve all works of art by controlling the environment in which they are displayed and stored.

Whistler's Watermarks

Whistler's Watermarks

Watermark of a jester in fool's cap

The conservation team explore the fascinating world of hidden watermarks in the works of James McNeill Whistler.

Conservation

Textiles

Photograph of textile conservator working on three hanging robes on display

All textile objects have a natural deterioration process — slowing that down while retaining original features is the key aim of Textile Conservators.

Conservation

Paper

The Gallery's Paper Conservation team incorporates Mountcutting and Framing and is responsible for the conservation and preparation of works on paper.

Conservation

Painting

A woman uses a cotton bud to clean a painting

Painting Conservators are responsible for their maintenance and preservation, as well as advising on hanging, handling and installation.

Australian Art /  Video

British makers on board the Rajah en route to Hobart 'The Rajah quilt'

Published 16 December 2010

The Rajah Quilt is one of Australia's important early textiles made by women convicts on the ship Rajah en route from England to Van Diemens land.

2 minutes