Modern art preserved for posterity

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The university offers bachelor's and master's programmes in conservation and restoration, with three to four graduates per year majoring in modern materials and media. swissinfo.ch

Many students have already done an internship in conservation and restoration, or they come from related art professions. swissinfo.ch

The qualities needed for the course are an analytical and critical mind, manual dexterity and a passion for culture. swissinfo.ch

The collection of objects made from synthetic materials shows the composition and short lifespan of many modern materials in comparison to classic materials such as wood and metal. swissinfo.ch

The students make conservation materials and practice on their own dummies before they apply their concept to the original. swissinfo.ch

The term 'modern materials' has been in use since the 1950s. swissinfo.ch

Video art demands special technical knowledge of the different formats and playing devices. swissinfo.ch

Cassettes, devices and casing are part of a work of art. swissinfo.ch

The department keeps a collection of audiovisual devices, which are mainly used for study and research. swissinfo.ch

Making a thread from thermoplastic material for testing purposes. swissinfo.ch

The students can call on a network of professionals and specialists to help them put together a conservation and restoration concept. swissinfo.ch

Debris from a workshop on conservation of food products in art. swissinfo.ch

The students practise analysing the synthetic materials. swissinfo.ch

Every restoration requires extensive research and documentation. swissinfo.ch

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Every imaginable type of media and material has been employed by artists. This brings fresh challenges to the new generation of conservation and restoration experts. Bern University of the Arts offers an in-depth major in modern materials and media.

Synthetic materials make their way into works of art, as do combinations of used materials like paper, wood or terracotta with modern lacquers and glue. Using scientific methods the students set up an artificial ageing process and document and analyse the chemical and physical reactions of the materials. All part of their special training.

(Pictures: Christoph Balsiger, swissinfo.ch)