In September, I started a year-long internship at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, and I couldn't be more excited. This opportunity is a dream come true as I have always had a passion for modern art. Despite having only been here a short time, I’ve already had the chance to closely examine works by some of the most significant artists from the period.

In just my first two weeks, I helped condition-check Henri Matisse’s The Red Studio (1911) with my supervisor, Michael Duffy, when it returned from an exhibition in Paris. I also took photomicrographs of Salvador Dalí’s The Persistence of Memory (1931), a painting that rarely comes off display due to its immense popularity, but was temporarily under study for a future publication. Being able to engage with such iconic artworks in this intimate way is beyond incredible. My supervisors, Anny Aviram and Michael Duffy, have been very supportive, placing a high value on my learning experience. They encourage me to see as much art as possible in person and take full advantage of New York’s rich museum and gallery scene.

MoMA is a massive institution, very different from any museum I’ve worked at before. There are many interconnected departments, all playing vital roles in conservation efforts. I’m learning a great deal about how the conservators collaborate with art handlers, framers, photographers, registrars, and on-site conservation scientists. The training I received from the WUDPAC program, particularly in public speaking and science, has prepared me well for this experience.

One of my first projects involves a 1937-38 painting by Marsden Hartley, for which I’ll be writing a condition report and treatment proposal. The painting is covered in a thick, glossy varnish that detracts from the artist’s dynamic brushwork and intentional variation in gloss. With the approval of the stakeholders, I hope to have the chance to remove the varnish. Researching Hartley’s life has been fascinating—he was an American artist deeply influenced by several European avant-garde movements, which align with my own art historical interests. MoMA’s research resources are incredible too. I have access to their extensive library and archives, including many artist interviews conducted by MoMA staff, which has been invaluable to my work.

Though I’m just starting this internship, I’m excited to see what comes next. It’s already been an incredible experience, and I can’t wait to find out what more is in store.

- Emily Landry, WUDPAC Class of 2025