CONSERVATION OF A PERFORMANCE: CASE STUDY IN MARTA PINILLA’S WORK SÁLVAME

Abstract

The research is focused on the performative piece ‘Sálvame’ by the artist Marta Pinilla (1980). This artwork was presented in 2018 as part of the performative set ‘Pinilla Baroque Sacred Cosmology’ at the Juan Gallery in Madrid. The issue of performance conservation in terms of its artistic practice, as well as its preservation as a cultural asset, is present throughout this investigation, which revolves around the study of the dual material and immaterial dimensions of the piece. Furthermore, the work addresses the criteria and reflections on various strategies that frame the conservation of performative artistic practices, which are still in the process of being defined in the field of conservation-restoration. Additionally, there is a study and analysis conducted on the pathologies presented by the material elements associated with Pinilla’s work, specifically in the attire crafted by the artist using natural latex along with other materials.