The hyper realist sculpture of Ron Mueck: Implications of damage and deterioration for artistic meaning

Abstract

Ron Mueck's hyper realist sculptures are constructed from polyester resins, fibreglass, and silicone rubber to which compatible pigments are added to gain the desired effect. Mueck's sculptures painstakingly reproduce every detail of the human body down to individual hairs, veins and blemishes. Handling and transit of these works is complicated and risky. Once on display they are seldom protected and can readily suffer damage.

Discussions with Mueck about his materials and techniques, working methodology and views on the preservation of his work are summarised. Polyester resin and silicone rubber samples were constructed and tested to predict the deterioration caused by light. A noticeable yellowing took place after the equivalent of 32 years in a museum. The results alerted the artist to the risk that the life‐like appearance of his sculptures could be markedly altered over time. The study, in rurn, highlights important conservation issues to be considered in creating, displaying and preserving contemporary works.

Keywords:

• Ron Mueck
• sculpture
• polyester
• silicone
• light‐ageing
• stability