When an Artwork Needs a New Coat of Paint

What happens when an artwork needs a new coat of paint? “Brushstrokes” by Roy Lichtenstein is an outdoor painted sculpture that recently underwent a large, public-facing treatment. After being lifted out of the ground and bolted to a cement surface, “Brushstrokes” was surrounded by scaffolding and repainted. On this episode of the Podcast, PAM’s Conservator, Samantha Springer, details the decisions made during this process.

Featured in this episode:
Samantha Springer, Portland Art Museum Conservator
Don Urquhart, Portland Art Museum Director of Collections and Exhibitions
Julie Wolfe, Getty Museum Conservator
Rachel Rivenc, Getty Research Institute Head of Conservation and Preservation
Paul Amaral, Metal Fabricator

Mentioned in this episode:
Roy Lichtenstein
“Brushstrokes”
“Three Brushstrokes” at the Getty
Rothko Pavilion
When Artwork Needs a New Coat of Paint article
Getty Conservation Institute
Getty Research Institute
Amaral Fabrication
“Brushstrokes in Flight” in Ponce, Puerto Rico
The Roy Lichtenstein Foundation
“House I” at the Leeum
Bank of America Art Conservation Project

Glossary of terms:
High Solids Polyurethane: A two-component, aliphatic, acrylic polyurethane resin coating. It is designed for high performance
protection with outstanding exterior gloss and color retention.
Blanching
Corrosion
Gloss level
Torque
Cantilever

This episode was produced by Jon Richardson with assistance from Emma Ganger-Spivak. Music courtesy of Mark Orton.