Kill-or-Cure Remedy in Edvard Munch paintings: Authenticity challenges distinguishing intended weathering from decay by the ravages of time

This article explores the philosophical and methodological challenges in conservation of modern art involved in the attempts to articulate authentic condition and artist intent in a group of weathered paintings by Edvard Munch. This group of paintings is associated with his ‘kill-or-cure remedy’, whereby the artist arguably engaged the elements of nature as part of his technique, which led to the weathering and degradation of his paintings. The article draws parallels with Julian Schnabel’s intentionally weathered canvases and ephemeral contemporary art. The paper discusses new approaches in contemporary art conservation theory, and emphasizes the importance of a holistic conservation decision-making process that encompasses materials and intangible historical, social, and cultural aspects in order to find a balance point whereby the artwork still has its own voice and not just the voice of the passage of time.