Interdependence of Conservation and Education: three interactive artworks by Piero Gilardi

Abstract

[EN] This paper explores the boundaries and potenti - alities of the relation among the conservation and education fields with the artist intent, focusing on the case study of three interactive works by Piero Gilardi: Ipogea (2010), Tiktaalik (2010) and Aigües Tortes (2007). The interaction with the public is the main cause of deterioration of these polyurethane foam sculptures, and determines the challenge of how to guarantee the full experience of the works, while containing the damages. In order to analyse this issue, an interview with the artist and one pilot interview with a group of visitors provided interesting outcomes. Beside the artist¿s priority remains the interaction, he values the materiality and technique of his work. At the same time visitor¿s reactions and relation - ship with the sculptures, provided a different reading of the artist¿s work, and can become part of the cluster of values that should inform conser - vation decision. The search for equilibrium among visitor¿s needs and artist intent constitute the main objective on which the collaboration among conservators and educators can build up interdisciplinary solutions.