AIC's 45th Annual Meeting

Steven Parrino (1958-2005) actively deconstructed painting. His technique was radical and chaotic, involving a performative aspect of folding, ripping, bending throwing and slashing painted and raw canvas. The Dallas Museum of Art was recently gifted Black Surf (2003) a large painting iconic to Parrino's style; represented by black glossy painted cotton duck fabric folded and twisted to create a three-dimensional composition. However, prior to receiving the painting at the museum, a large section had been ripped to shreds along one of the canvas folds. The damage was not caused by Parrino, but by the donor's dog who had become startled during a thunderstorm and attacked the painting. This paper discusses the ongoing conservation treatment and decision making process for this painting, focusing on the torn area. Traditional Heiber tear mending was used as a base treatment technique and evolved for the specific needs of this non-traditional painting. Textile conservators were consulted during this treatment, proving to be a fulfilling and necessary collaboration.