Dispelling the Myth of “Just Messing Around” - New perspectives on Karel Appel’s use of materials and technique
DEPOT Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, June 24, 2024
The conservation and restoration of artworks from the latter half of the 20th century is facing new challenges due to the increasing use of diverse techniques and complex industrial materials as well as its aesthetic significance within modern and contemporary art. These have led the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands to dedicate a research program to these challenges. One of the projects focuses on three major Dutch artists: Piet Mondrian, Jan Schoonhoven and Karel Appel. The upcoming event within this context will be an interdisciplinary symposium addressing the diverse materials and techniques used by Karel Appel during his career, their meaning within his artistic practice, and the problems they may pose for the conservation of his works. The symposium, a coproduction of the Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen and the Karel Appel Foundation will be hosted by the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam coming June 24.
