Restoration of Modern Works of Art Made from Non-Traditional Materials

Working with innovative materials and unique art forms requires new restoration approaches and techniques, as well as the ability of the restorer to collaborate with experts in various fields.

Study in this five-year programme focuses on the issues of unstable materials such as polymers and other non-traditional materials used in art making that are subject to various types of degradation. Students learn not only how to solve the problems associated with the use of these materials, but also how to approach modern artworks whose value is not inherently material, but also includes intangible and often ambiguous concepts and ideas.

The aim of the programme is to prepare students to deal with complex restoration tasks in the field of modern art and to develop their ability to collaborate with experts from various disciplines, including artists, curators and technical specialists. With regard to the focus of the programme and its professional profile, the focus of the teaching is on the development of practical skills of the students through intensive studio teaching, laboratories, art training and other practically oriented study subjects, as well as through external professional practice carried out in selected institutions (e.g. the National Gallery in Prague). Practical teaching is supplemented by theoretical teaching, the aim of which is to equip students with professional knowledge in the field of restoration practice, theory and history of art and in the field of chemistry and technology of materials, in which emphasis is placed on understanding the properties of modern materials and on the use of the latest knowledge in the field of restoration. The program thus enables students to acquire not only practical skills but also to develop creativity and an innovative approach to problem solving.

The Academy of Fine Arts in Prague implements this study programme in cooperation with the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague. This cooperation ensures that students acquire both the artistic, scientific and technological knowledge needed to work in a dynamically developing field.

Graduates of this programme are prepared to handle demanding restoration tasks in the field of modern art. In addition to their professional skills, they also have an in-depth knowledge of the theory, legislation and principles of heritage conservation.

A graduate of the programme:

• is a highly qualified professional capable of independently designing and implementing restoration interventions in their area of specialization.

• demonstrates a deep and systematic knowledge and understanding of theory and practice appropriate to the current state of knowledge.

• can design and apply advanced research and original creative practices in the field of restoration in a way that contributes to the advancement of knowledge and the development of the field in a wider professional context.

• can communicate their own professional knowledge clearly and persuasively to an international audience and to the general public.

• is able to communicate within the scope of his/her professional knowledge and skills in at least one foreign language, including oral and written presentations and professional discussions (in English at least at B1 level of the European Framework of Reference for Languages.

• also has an overview of the restoration of works of art made from traditional materials, in addition to their specialization.

• demonstrates the ability of independent creative work, theoretical reflection and the ability to conceive and implement a research project as a practitioner.

• has the ability to collaborate on and source applied research projects in which they can act in the role of an expert.

• thanks to the focus on a new and dynamically developing field of study, graduates are highly employable in the job market, not only in the Czech Republic but also abroad, where the demand for specialized restorers of modern and contemporary art is growing.