Kuala lumpur: The humid tropical climate and high levels of light exposure pose a silent threat to the longevity of artworks, thus underscoring the need for more sustainable research and conservation efforts rooted in local knowledge. Senior chief curator of the Collection and Conservation Section at the National Art Gallery, Tan Hui Koon, said high humidity and lighting levels were among the main challenges in preserving the material integrity of artworks in the country over the long term.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tan highlighted that organic materials such as textiles, canvas, and wood readily absorb moisture, resulting in repeated expansion and contraction that eventually affects the structural integrity and paint layers of artworks. She emphasized that art conservation requires a preventive approach encompassing environmental control and appropriate handling and storage techniques. Tan stated, "If an artwork is damaged, it is impossible to fully restore it to its original condition once some of its material has been lost. However, we try to restore its material integrity so that the artwork can still be displayed to visitors."
The National Art Gallery will host the seventh Asia-Pacific Tropical Climate Conservation Art Research Network (APTCCARN) conference, bringing together international conservation experts to share research on how art materials respond to tropical climates. The conference will feature experts from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, and the Philippines, who will study material responses, particularly those of Western paintings, to the tropical climate in the region.
Scheduled from December 7-9 in Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh, the APTCCARN conference will also include a special programme organized in collaboration with the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM), the Department of National Heritage (JWN), and People of Remarkable Talents (PORT), taking participants to explore heritage sites in Lenggong. Tan mentioned that this year's event would emphasize local knowledge and intergenerational sharing, including disaster response methods and conservation approaches suited to the geographical context of individual countries.
The conference will discuss climate change issues, disaster management, artificial intelligence (AI) applications, materials research technology, and ethics in conservation while encouraging the sharing of resources between institutions. Tan asserted that the APTCCARN plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of conservators through knowledge transfer and expanding the understanding that the field combines elements of art, science, research, and technology.
Tan described the event as a significant opportunity to observe the development of conservation in Malaysia since its first event in 2008. She added, "It will also strengthen international networks that have the potential to bring Malaysian expertise and artistic heritage onto the world stage."