Symposium ‘Lights On!’ to Address Conservation of Light-Based Art

The Hamburger Bahnhof – Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart in Berlin is set to host a significant symposium titled "Lights On! Sustaining Light-Based Art" on November 13, 2026, focusing on the preservation and conservation of light-based artworks. This event is particularly timely as it addresses the challenges posed by technological obsolescence and evolving regulations that affect the materials used in such artworks. The symposium encourages submissions from professionals in art conservation, history, and technology, aiming to explore innovative approaches to documentation and preservation.

Light-based artworks, exemplified by Dan Flavin's iconic installation "Untitled" (1996), have become essential components of contemporary art collections. Flavin's use of commercially available fluorescent lamps, which are now largely obsolete, highlights the urgent need to address material availability for the long-term conservation of these works. According to Eva Rieß, a conservator at Hamburger Bahnhof, "The integrity of light-based art is at risk due to market shifts and regulatory changes that limit our access to crucial materials."

The symposium will probe key questions surrounding the documentation of both the material and immaterial aspects of light-based artworks. Important topics for discussion include how institutions can effectively record the spatial dynamics and atmospheric presence of these pieces, and the strategies needed to adapt to the challenges posed by technological advancements.

Prof. Dr. Carolin Bohlmann from the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing these challenges: "By uniting conservators, artists, and technicians, we can forge effective pathways for the sustainable care of light-based works."

Moreover, the symposium will explore the implications of legal frameworks on the preservation of light-based art and the responsibilities of artists and their estates regarding the future of these artworks. The call for papers invites contributions that examine effective conservation strategies, case studies, and new documentation methods, with a particular emphasis on sustainability and artistic integrity.

The submission deadline for proposals is October 31, 2025. Selected presentations will be peer-reviewed and published in postprints planned for summer 2027. As this event approaches, further details will be made available on the museum’s website, ensuring that professionals in the field remain informed about developments in the conservation of light-based art.