ISI Yogyakarta, October 8, 2025 The research team from the Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI) Yogyakarta organized an international research program entitled Conservation Photography Research Project under the support of ASEA-UNINET (The ASEAN - European Academic University Network), took place in Vienna and Krems (Austria) and Paris, France, on September 16-October 7, 2025. Dr. Patricia Engel, Conservator and researcher at the Center for Cultural Preservation, University for Continuing Education Krems (UWK), Austria was the Austrian partner.
The research team collaborated across disciplines and universities, the team consisted of Dr. Irwandi, M.Sn, as the researcher and Rector of ISI Yogyakarta, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Harno Dwi Pranowo, M.S., from the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences UGM, Wiwik Sri Wulandari, S.Sn., M.Sn., Lecturer of Fine Arts Study Program, FSRD ISI Yogyakarta and Rooseline Linda Octina, S.S., M.A., lecturer of Art Conservation Study Program ISI Yogyakarta have conducted a series of academic visits, technical training, and collaborative discussions at various leading art and conservation institutions in Europe. This program is a concrete step for ISI Yogyakarta in strengthening international networks and increasing research capacity in the field of art conservation, especially photography.
While in Austria, the team conducted academic studies at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, Akademie der Bildenden Künste Wien, Westlicht Museum Wien, Weltmuseum Wien, Computer Visual Lab, TU Wien and the team also took time to visit The Hungarian University of Fine Arts (Magyar Képzőművészeti Egyetem). This visit opened new insights into the art conservation curriculum, international student selection methods, and research-based conservation practices and digital technology. The team was also received by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Austria, Dr. iur. Damos Dumoli Agusman, who expressed his support for the development of Indonesia-Austria art and culture collaboration.
Next, in France, the team observed photography conservation practices at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France (BnF) and the UNESCO Paris Archives, learning about antique photo restoration techniques and digital archiving systems. The visit enriched their knowledge of visual archive conservation, which plays an important role in preserving the world's cultural memory.
The series of activities continued with paper conservation training at the Krems City Archives, Austria, observation of the conservation of photo collections at the Austrian National Archives, and a study of the conservation of ancient books at the St. Florian Archives. The team gained hands-on experience in the conservation process, from material analysis, cleaning techniques, to maintenance documentation.
This research activity emphasizes ISI Yogyakarta's position as an international-class art college that actively builds cross-country research collaborations. Through involvement in the ASEA-UNINET program, ISI Yogyakarta continues to be committed to developing research and technology-based art conservation science, and strengthening its contribution to the preservation of world cultural heritage.
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