Beyond the Material: Idea, Concept, Process, and Their Function in the Conservation of the Conceptual Art of Mike Parr

Conceptual artwork presents particular problems for conservators. Decisions about treatment cannot necessarily take as a central construct the concerns raised by material degradation. Issues of material may be irrelevant or inappropriate as a basis for treatment decisions. Rather, effective tools for the conservator must grow out of a proper understanding of the intellectual and philosophical basis for the work. This article focuses on the work of conceptual artist Mike Parr and examines the role of the conservator in the preservation of a range of Parr's material- based works.