Considerations in Acquisition of 3D-Printed Art

Abstract

ABSTRACT 3D printing (also known as Rapid Prototyping or Additive Manufacture) is increasingly common and technically sophisticated, and is utilized in art and design, industry, and consumer applications. Museums and collectors are now acquiring works made using this technology though their preservation needs are not fully understood. This article provides an overview of the technology and related terminology, review of related conservation literature, and introduction to current efforts for the care of these works. Discussion includes the formulation of collaborative working practices, documentation during acquisition, and consideration of periodic reprinting. Case studies include a pre-accession checklist developed at SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art) and the reprinting of select components from Altar/Engine (2015) by Tauba Auerbach at MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) in New York. Though 3D-printed works may be found in science, history, and other collections, this study will focus on works of contemporary art and design.