Caleb Kelly

Caleb Kelly is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). His research focuses on sound in the fields of media arts, gallery arts, and music, leading to a rethinking of how art is listened to, historically and in contemporary practice. Kelly coordinates the research group Sound, Energies and Environments (SEE), which explores the intersection of sound, energy, and environmental concerns in contemporary art practices.

His educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Arts in Art History & Philosophy from the University of Otago, New Zealand (1993)
• Master of Arts (Hons) in Art History from the University of Auckland, New Zealand (1996)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Creative Communications from the University of Canberra, Australia (2007)

Kelly's research centers on sound studies, particularly examining the role of sound in contemporary art and gallery contexts. His work explores cracked media (the sound of malfunction), imperfection in experimental instruments, and feedback systems in artistic practice. He investigates how sound functions within visual art spaces, challenging traditional distinctions between visual and auditory experience. His research has led to significant contributions in understanding gallery sound, audio installations, and the materiality of sound in contemporary art. Kelly's approach combines art historical analysis with practical experimentation, often working directly with artists to understand the technical and conceptual dimensions of sound-based art.

Kelly's publications reveal a consistent focus on the intersection of sound, media, and contemporary art practices. His work traces the historical development of sound art exhibitions while simultaneously exploring cutting-edge sonic art practices. A notable trend is his sustained interest in imperfection, malfunction, and error as creative forces within media art. His research spans from historical examinations of sound art exhibitions to contemporary investigations of ecological concerns in media practices. Kelly's writing frequently addresses the material dimensions of sound, examining how physical substances and technological systems shape auditory experiences in gallery settings.

Among his notable recognitions:

• Edgard Varèse Guest Professor at the Technische Universität Berlin (2015)

Kelly has supervised numerous doctoral and master's students working at the intersection of sound, art, and technology. His current and completed students have explored diverse topics including cello performance with long-throw speakers, improvisational feedback systems, underwater sound experiences, electro-acoustic feedback, neural networks in music, sound surveillance, ecological sound practices, video feedback art, electromagnetic constellations in radio, and organizational structures in experimental music. His supervision emphasizes practice-based research, encouraging students to develop both theoretical frameworks and creative outputs. While specific grant information isn't detailed in the provided text, his research activities suggest involvement in substantial funding projects supporting his publications, exhibitions, and research group activities.

Kelly coordinates the research group Sound, Energies and Environments (SEE), which serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research on sound in contemporary art. The group brings together artists, curators, and scholars to explore how sound functions within gallery contexts and beyond. SEE has facilitated numerous exhibitions, publications, and collaborative projects examining the relationship between sound, energy systems, and environmental concerns. The group's work has contributed significantly to the field of sound studies, particularly in understanding how sound operates within institutional art spaces.