Dwell Time

Ever wondered how the intricate world of art conservation intertwines with the profound experiences of immigrants? In this a 2024 Booked on Planning podcast episode, Rosa Lowinger, the author of “Dwell Time: A Memoir of Art, Exile, and Repair,” discusses her emotional and educational journey as an art conservationist. Rosa’s narrative is not just a recount of her family’s escape from Jewish persecution in Cuba and their subsequent life in America; it’s also a testament to how these experiences have significantly influenced her career in art conservation.

Dwell time is an art conservation term referring to the time chemical reactions take to act on surfaces. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the immigrant experience. Rosa’s family’s escape from persecution and the eventual resettlement in America represent the time and conditions required for healing and adaptation. Her memoir, inspired by Primo Levi, is uniquely structured around different conservation materials, blending her professional expertise with deeply personal anecdotes. One such vivid story is about a Fourth of July celebration in Los Angeles, which beautifully encapsulates the immigrant’s emotional connection to their new homeland.

Art, beyond its aesthetic value, is a powerful storyteller and a cornerstone of community identity. For instance, the story of a massive mosaic in Miami, which was rescued from demolition and restored through community and governmental efforts, underscores the importance of preserving cultural artifacts. Such initiatives not only protect the art itself but also the collective memory and identity of the community.

A major threat to public art and historic structures is the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, such as hurricanes and wildfires, exacerbated by climate change. This makes disaster response an increasingly critical component of art conservation. The role of conservators in urban planning is emphasized, highlighting the need for their expertise in anticipating and mitigating damage to cultural heritage. This intersection of conservation and planning is crucial for safeguarding historical and cultural assets for future generations.

In the podcast episode, Ann Patchett’s novel, “The Dutch House,” which explores family dynamics and the profound influence of physical spaces on relationships is brought up. This discussion serves as a metaphor for the broader themes of the episode, emphasizing the importance of material culture and the spaces we inhabit. The novel, much like Rosa’s memoir, underscores how personal histories and physical environments are deeply intertwined.

Rosa’s reflections throughout the book offer profound insights into the role of ancestry and personal history in shaping one’s life journey. Her narrative about tripping over her grandmother’s grave, a symbolic encounter with her past, illustrates how our ancestors’ stories and experiences continue to influence us. This idea is mirrored in her professional work, where the conservation of historical materials serves as a metaphor for preserving and honoring our collective past.

Rosa’s work in art conservation is not just about preserving physical objects but also about maintaining the narratives and memories they embody. This perspective is crucial for planners and conservators alike, as they work to ensure that the spaces and objects that shape our communities are protected and cherished.

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