The conservation departments of the Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Modern Art are collaborating on the study, analysis, and treatment of a badly damaged painting by Ad Reinhardt, “Black painting” (1960-66), from the artist’s black square series. The painting was donated to the Guggenheim Museum Study Collection by AXA Nordstern Art Insurance Corporation who are also funding the two-year research project which is designed to develop conservation technologies that can be applied to the conservation of minimalist or monochromatic works. The project will include experimentation with laser technology. “Ultimately, we hope this project will provide new alternatives for successfully treating and restoring minimalist works,” James Coddington, Chief Conservator at MoMA, said in a statement. “Black Painting” was part of a collection insured by AXA Nordstern. While on loan to an exhibition in the mid-Nineties, the painting was severely damaged and was deemed irreparable, resulting in a total loss for the insurance company.
Originally appeared in The Art Newspaper as 'MoMA and Guggenheim join forces'