Posting for Conservator of Photography, Modern and Contemporary
Since its founding in 1935, SFMOMA has championed innovative and challenging contemporary art through active exhibition and collection programs. A current expansion project – opening in 2016 – will create an additional 100,000 sq. ft. of gallery and public space, highlighting the Fisher Collection, one of the world’s foremost private collections of contemporary art. The new photography galleries will triple exhibition space for SFMOMA’s world-renowned photography collection. Innovative conservation and collections spaces will underpin the museum’s long-standing commitment to working closely with living artists.
Under the Head of Conservation, the Conservator of Photographs, Modern and Contemporary will be responsible for the conservation, care and research of modern and contemporary photography in the collection. As a testament to the art of our time, the conservator will work collaboratively with other departmental conservators in the care of objects of mixed media, and share in the supervision and training of the Fellow in the Conservation of Contemporary Art. Engaging with artists, their studio assistants or estates in the documentation and care for artist’s work is a fundamental responsibility of this position.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Examines, documents and treats modern and contemporary photographs, including: documenting the structure and condition of art works through written and photographic records; monitoring conditions of work in storage, exhibition and transit environments; performing all aspects of the treatment of photographs and related artworks with adherence to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the American Institute for Conservation and in accordance with SFMOMA Conservation Department policies.
- Engages with artists, their studio assistants or estates to foster relationships that underpin the long-term care and display of their work in the collection.
- Models highly collaborative modes of operating through fluid communication with staff and respect for the diverse expertise essential to an art museum.
- Participates in training and supervision of the Fellow in the Conservation of Contemporary Art, with a greater supervisory role when the Fellow’s specialty is photography conservation. Assists in the instruction and supervision of staff interns, students, and volunteers.
- Advises curators, colleagues within the Collections Division, other museum professionals, artists, scholars, collectors, donors and the public on the care of modern and contemporary photography, and proper procedures for exhibition and display.
- Researches modern and contemporary photographs in the collection, exploring photographic processes, artists’ methods, and scientific data on properties of materials.
- Publishes and presents at conferences to ensure active engagement with colleagues in the rapidly expanding and changing field of photograph conservation. Attends and hosts workshops on photographic materials, processes and care of photographs.
- Represents the museum to other conservation and art-affiliated individuals and institutions on a local, national and international level.
- Maintains work areas in the conservation studio, including researching and ordering supplies and equipment, maintenance of materials, replenishing of supplies, with the support of the Conservation Technician.
- Travels for museum business and on-site conservation work or study as needed.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Successful candidates will have graduated from a recognized conservation training program with a specialization in modern and contemporary photography, direct experience working with living artists, and a minimum of five to seven years work history. They will have knowledge of modern and contemporary art and an ability to apply the philosophies of modern and contemporary art aesthetics to the procedures of conservation. The ability to collaborate creatively and communicate clearly in writing and conversation with other conservators, museum staff, colleagues, donors, trustees, and the public is essential.
Interested candidates should apply by Friday, February 27th, 2015. Interview opportunities will be available during the Biannual PMG Winter Meeting in Boston (February 19-21, 2015).
NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE!
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art encourages people of color, residents of SOMA, and other San Francisco residents to apply. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.