On conservation work on Paweł Nowak’s series XXX (1997) from the Studio Gallery Collection in Warsaw
Paintings from the series XXX by Paweł Nowak, held in the Galeria Studio Collection in Warsaw, underwent comprehensive conservation measures as part of his MA thesis under the supervision of Professor Iwona Szmelter at the Faculty of Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art in Warsaw. The main aim was to restore their aesthetic value and ensure their long-term protection, both during display and storage. These activities combined active and preventative conservation, and were based on scientific research and conservation ethics.
Paweł Nowak is a contemporary artist, known for his experimental approach to painting and sculptural techniques. His work is characterized by the use of unconventional materials, such as wax, synthetic materials and impermanent pigments, which allow him to explore a relationship between matter and idea. The series XXX is an example of works in which the artist has consciously operated with the fragility and transience of materials, emphasizing their ephemeral nature. His works prompt the viewer to reflect on impermanence and the nature of art itself, challenging both viewers and conservators.
The conservation of contemporary artworks, such as Pawel Nowak’s paintings, poses a number of unique challenges for specialists. Unlike traditional artworks, which are often made of durable materials and have well-established conservation technology, contemporary artworks are often created using perishable, experimental or even unusual materials, such as wax, rubber, plastic or organic substances that break down quickly. Such technological solutions can lead to works deteriorating more quickly, and their conservation requires a special approach.
In the case of the series XXX, the main problems were:
- surface and structural cracks – resulting from the natural properties of the wax and the manufacturing technology used.
- the impermanence of the materials – the wax and other components used by the artist are sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity and mechanical factors.
- the artist’s creative philosophy – Nowak’s work, which assumes the transience and changeability of matter, required conservators to take into account the author’s intentions, which limited the possibility of deeper interference with the structure of the works.
Conservation efforts began with a thorough material and technological study. The structure of the paintings, the composition of the wax and the degree of damage were analyzed, which made it possible to adapt repair methods to the specific nature of the objects. All the work was carried out respecting the principle of minimal interference with the original form of the work.
Key stages included:
Surface cleaning – gentle removal of dirt that has settled on the wax reliefs.
Structural consolidation – strengthening the cracked and weakened structure of the wax pieces.
Development of a preventive protection strategy – design and manufacture of protective boxes to enable the safe transport and storage of works, adapted to the conditions in the Galeria Studio’s storage facilities.
Contemporary art conservation is a constantly evolving field. It requires specialists to combine knowledge of chemistry, material science, art technology and an understanding of the cultural and philosophical context of the works. Works such as Paweł Nowak’s series XXX remind us that a conservator not only restores the aesthetics of objects, but also acts as a mediator between the artist’s vision and the need to preserve art for future generations. Thanks to the actions carried out, Nowak’s paintings have regained their original brilliance and can continue to be presented as part of the national heritage of contemporary art.
Martyna Wilkowska
