Exploring key aspects of art documentation and examination in curation technology-using Cheng-Shiu university conservation center’s project as a case study

Abstract

Current discussions of art documentation and examination focus on improving the artifact documentation and examination process, constructing databases, applying new technology, and conducting technical training of staff. For curators, museum collections, private collectors, artifact surveyors, and art gallery workers, documentation and examination are a critical stage in the process of archiving, exhibiting, conserving, and repairing artwork. Workers understand the function of documentation and examination, but not all workers understand these processes’ value and purpose. Apart from revealing the current condition of artifacts, what is the real value and purpose of artifact documentation and the examination process? This research considers the international and domestic projects completed by the conservation center of Cheng Shiu university and explores problems arising in the documentation and examination process for curation, art exhibitions, and collaboration with other museums, along with resolutions provided by the process. This research also examines the key roles played by the documentation and examination process in those cases. This paper emphasizes the importance of the documentation and examination process; moreover, this paper’s study of real cases demonstrates the practical applications of the documentation and examination process.