Conservation of "Literacy" by Roderick Sykes - SOCIAL AND PUBLIC ART RESOURCE CENTER

Roderick Sykes standing in front of the stretched print. — Roderick Sykes standing in front of his stretched print.

Literacy by Roderick Sykes was a part of the Neighborhood Pride Program. It was made in 1989 and thrived in the community for many years before it was disappeared in 2012. The mural depicts three faces, that of an African-American, an Asian-American and a Latino, meant as a celebration of the ethnic diversity in Los Angeles. It emphasizes the importance of literacy, creativity and the role of the community in education.

Mural Condition:

This mural was in excellent shape for it’s age. It was disappeared in 2012.

Conservation Plan:

Documentation:All phases of the conservation process–before and after–will be photo documented.

Step 1a: Print High Resolution Image of Mural from Archive

Step 1b: Stretch Printed Canvas for In-studio painting

Step 2: In-Painting for Color Restoration

SPARC technicians will assist the Original Artist of Record in administering the in-painting repairs using high quality Golden Artist Colors.

Step 3: Final Preservation Coating

The final Preservation Coating will seal all acrylic paint and produce a highly durable acrylic surface. Both Sides will be treated. The Preservation Coating will protect against environmental moisture, future efflorescence accumulation, and UV damage.

Step 4: Acrylic-Paraffin Wax Coating to prevent pollution and vandalism.

The Acrylic-Paraffin Wax coating is completely removable using hot water and soap, making future conservations ecomomical and less invasive, SPARC stocks and distributes all chemicals and coatings. Technical Data Sheets available upon request.

Step 5: Permanent Mechanical Installation of Canvas Mural on Wall

Onsite Conservation Report:

[coming soon]