Variability, Iterability, Re-presentation: Time Based Media Art and Archival Research at the National Gallery of Iceland
This resource introduces the fundamental concepts of time-based media conservation and discusses the practical, ethical, and ideological challenges of preserving video, digital, audio, and performance art amidst rapid technological change. Highlighting core theoretical frameworks such as variability, iterability and artwork identity reporting, it examines how curatorial and conservation decisions directly influence artwork reinstallation and viewer reception. Particular emphasis is placed on case studies from the Vasulka Chamber archive, specifically the exhibition history of video art pioneer Steina Vasulka, while also underlining the importance of sustainable digital stewardship and institutional decision-making in cultural heritage institutions.
This presentation is part of the Lunch with Digital Humanities (LwDH) lecture series, hosted by the Centre for Digital Humanities and Arts (DARIAH-IS/CDHA, https://www.mshl.is) in Spring 2026.
Learning Outcomes
After studying the resource, learners should be able to:
- evaluate how curatorial decisions, technological shifts and artist intentions influence audience reception during the re-installation of video and digital artworks;
- analyze identity and iteration reporting frameworks used by cultural institutions to document complex digital and technological art collections;
- assess inter-institutional and international initiatives for preserving and digitizing at-risk media art collections.
