Contemporary Art as Ethnographic Object by Chris Stavroudis The notion of things and societies ethnographic relies on the distinction between cultural self and cultural otherness. Although western contemporary art implicitly falls into the cultural self definition, there are also many aspects of its conservation which benefit from a more ethnographic approach. A number of treatments of modern and contemporary paintings and murals will be discussed. However we will also consider these treatments in terms of "ethnographic" production, use and wear, inherent spirituality (sacredness?), and even "native" repair. Examples will be taken from a collaborative mural treatment program-the Los Angeles Mural Assessment and Conservation Project-as well as past and ongoing studio treatments.   Back to conference agenda