Contributions to the 7th AICCM Book, Paper and Photographic Materials Symposium 29g31 August 2012 Brisbane, Australia
Poster
Computer-based artworks are part of a new, rapidly expanding medium, in which the intrinsic cultural value of the work is entwined with its inherent instrumental nature.As such, the conservation approach to computer-based artworks requires an understanding of the internal structure of a computer system, an awareness of the virtual and physical principles of information technology, and a willingness to research and undertake new and emerging forms of reconstructive conservation.The poster will outline the internal structure of a computer system and how the materials and techniques relate to the artwork. The relationship between software, firmware and hardware will be shown through a diagrammatical representation.The conservation strategy of emulation is an emerging tool in the conservation of computer- based art.The contemporary standards of digitisation in relation to a proposed new system of emulation will be examined The successful long term preservation of computer-based art not only requires secure storage devices, functional hardware and a system of archival management, but also must incorporate an advanced system of strategies to maintain the internal systems’functions.The advantage of emulation is that the computer- based artwork can continue to function on a native interface, which provides long-term accessibility and maintains the look and feel of the original version of the work.