The unusual dimensions of this painting by Michael Biberstein (recently shown in the artist’s retrospective exhibition curated by Delfim Sardo at Culturgest) constitute a problem and a challenge when it comes to handling, shipping and conservation. Each time the work is moved the removal of the screen from its frame is mandatory for reasons as simple as crossing museum doors or storage facilities, or preparing for shipping. This was the challenge the collection faced in the end of 2016: stretching the canvas and fixing it to the frame by using the conventional stapling system and, at the same time, preventing the wear and tear of screen fibers.

An investigation conducted in collaboration with the Department of Conservation and Restoration of the Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologias [Faculty of Sciences and Technologies], has enabled the creation of an original canvas stretching system that does not require the use of stapling, a result that adds to the preservation of the work.