Climate threat: the conservation challenge at the National Art Gallery
The humid tropical climate and intense light exposure in Malaysia pose significant threats to the longevity of artworks, highlighting the need for sustainable conservation research. Tan Hui Koon, senior chief curator of the Collection and Conservation section at the National Art Gallery, emphasizes the importance of protecting art objects from environmental factors that can compromise their material integrity over time.
Organic materials such as textiles, canvas, and wood are particularly vulnerable to moisture, which can cause repeated expansion and contraction that damages an artwork's structural integrity and paint layers. To address these challenges, conservation experts will gather at the seventh Asia-Pacific Tropical Climate Conservation Art Research Network conference, hosted by the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh, Perak. The conference will bring together experts from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, and the Philippines to discuss how art materials respond to tropical climates and share knowledge on conservation approaches adapted to local contexts.
The conference will cover topics such as climate change, disaster management, and ethics in conservation, with a focus on developing the next generation of conservators and promoting intergenerational exchange. By facilitating the transfer of knowledge and experience, the research network plays a crucial role in advancing conservation practices in Malaysia and showcasing the country's artistic heritage on the global stage.