Denise Madsack

The PhD project „Between Time and Space - Interdisciplinary Conservation Strategies für Art in Architecture“ contributes to the art historical reception and conservation of artistic interventions under the umbrella of art in architecture. The main goal is to shed light on the format of "art on building“ and to gain fundamental knowledge about this special category of public art as well as issues that relate to its upkeep and security. Until now this topic has mainly been explored from the perspective of art historians focusing on individual artists‘ oeuvres, and rarely investigated by conservators. However, there is a need for new concepts of co-operation so that strategies for the recognition, reception and conservation of art in architecture can be carried out in a holistic and consistent way. The aim is to connect people with different areas of expertise who are entrusted with these artworks in order to find a common language by allowing all perspectives to benefit from each other.
The focus will be on the state of Baden-Württemberg, whose collection offers a comprehensive spectrum of works of art in architecture and is ideally suited in its entirety as well as for concrete case studies. The thesis is thus rounded off with a practical approach and aims not only to make a stimulating contribution to conservation and restoration, but also to serve the research fields of art history, building culture and art education. The project should therefore link science and professional practice and function as a model that can be transferred to other locations.

Personal Data

Denise Madsack trained in conservation of modern materials and media at the Department of Conservation and Restoration of the Bern University of the Arts. She finished her studies with a BA thesis about the Olympic Roof in Munich (1972) and a MA thesis about materials in 3D printing. In 2011 she was honoured with the MA Award of the Swiss Association of Conservation and Restoration. During and after her studies Denise has been working on behalf of various art and historico-cultural museums, galleries and as a freelancer. She holds a lectureship at the Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design and is particularly interested in modern and contemporary art and cultural heritage, architecture and applied conservation theories.