The Back of the Painting

So much more is revealed about the materials and history of a painting when it is turned over to see its back. For the conservator, the information on the reverse of an unframed painting can provide fascinating details about the artistic process and past restorations which can inform their approach to preservation and treatment.

This exhibition, The Back of the Painting, is being held to celebrate the release of the book of the same name recently published by Te Papa Press. It highlights the work of three artists included in the monograph and illustrates the wide variety of information that is found when looking at the rear view.

The works will be turned to face the front for the last week of the exhibition, 24–30th November.

 

Image credit: Back of the Auckland Art Gallery painting Jack ‘n Box, 1978, by Tony Fomison. Image courtesy of the Fomison Estate.