The Restoration of Our Time Exhibition Catalog

The Restoration of Our Time Exhibition Catalog

Published by: National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts · Publisher: Ren-Yi Liao
Editor-in-Chief: Wang Jia-Zheng
Chief Editor: Lin Ming-Xian
Executive Editors: Chen Yu-Wen, Dai Wen-Shan
Text Contributors: Chen Yu-Wen, Dai Wen-Shan

Design Team: Idealform Co.
Cover and Binding Design: Meng-Chieh Li
Layout Design: Chi-Lun Wen, Tsai-Lin Chang, Yu-An Tsai
Photo: Combine Studio

The catalog The Restoration of Our Time is presented in a hardcover with an exposed spine, symbolizing the opening and restarting state of “restoration—reboot.” Portions of works by the senior artist Li Mei-shu extend from the front cover onto the spine and back cover. Cracks representing the flaws in the paintings are embossed and silver-stamped on the outer cover.

The first chapter, “The Era of Pursuing Ideals,” focuses on discussions and studies of works by seven senior artists, with text accompanied by reproductions of their artworks. The second chapter, “Restoring Memories,” presents works in a “before-and-after restoration” format. Using tracing paper for mapping, it provides detailed analyses of each artwork, explaining the types of deterioration and the steps taken to restore them to their current state.

The book sits at the intersection of art criticism, an art catalog, and a restoration manual. The professional editing perspective from the National Museum of Fine Arts’ Collections Department is especially insightful. Through the overall binding and layout design, readers can experience a sense of “rebooting” as they flip through the book.