ABSTRACT
This case study explores the dialogue between artist Marie Watt and the Department of Textile Conservation at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) regarding the acquisition, display, and storage of her artwork Untitled (Dream Catcher), 2014. The study emphasizes the evolving field of textile conservation and its ethical principles shaped by discourse and diverse perspectives. The artwork, composed of reclaimed textiles stitched together in community sewing circles, presented challenges in terms of conservation and interpretation. Textile conservators collaborated with Watt to understand her intent and establish guidelines for long-term preservation. They discovered that conventional conservation methods could undermine the artwork’s meaning and context. With the artist’s guidance, conservators recognized themselves as an extension of the original sewing circles, ensuring their interventions aligned with the communal nature of the artwork. The study also discusses the transition of Native American art to The Met’s American Wing collection, fostering dialogue and collaboration across departments. The article emphasizes the significance of Watt’s artistic practice, the materials used, and the conservation decisions made, highlighting the importance of dialogue between artists and conservators in preserving and interpreting artworks.
