“SWINDLERS” (2013) BY VIRASINEE KONGTAWEEBOONConservation of a Contemporary Oil Paintingfrom the Silpakorn University Art Centre

Abstract

“Swindlers” (2013) by Virasinee Kongtaweeboon

Conservation of a Contemporary Oil Painting from the Silpakorn University Art Centre

An award winning painting made in 2013 titled “Swindlers” by Thai artist Virasinee Kongtaweeboon from Silpakorn University Art Centre went through an unfortunate event, which caused a tear in the painting. Located at the top right side it was poorly restored. To avoid extension of tear or cause of undesired change in the physical structure of the paintings, it has to be mend with suitable materials and technique. The painting was moved from Silpakorn University Art Centre to the conservation laboratory at Silpakorn University International College. Decision to remove the old repair and attempt thread by thread tear mending is made after careful investigation, research and discussion with experts of painting conservation. The aim is to minimise interference with the original materials of the painting and to prevent any undesired changes in its physical structure. To avoid flaking of loose impasto paint layer pre-consolidation is necessary. Subsequently, tear mending should be carried by following a series of steps. Firstly, locally unstretching canvas, alignment of fibres, pulling the separated edges together, mending the threads. Ensuring the tear mending is strong enough further necessary treatments are being done; dry surface cleaning, restretching canvas, filling and retouching.

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