Erika Tan

Erika Tan is a Reader in Contemporary Art Practice and Course Leader of MA Fine Art at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. With a multidisciplinary background spanning social anthropology, archaeology, and film directing, her research-led practice investigates postcolonial narratives, transnational identities, and decolonial methodologies through moving image, archival interventions, and curatorial projects.

Education includes:

• M.A Fine Art - Central Saint Martins (1997)
• B.A (Hons) Social Anthropology and Archaeology - University of Cambridge (1991)
• Advanced Diploma in Film & Video - Central Saint Martins (1995)
• Film Directing - Beijing Film Academy (1994)

Her research focuses on three primary domains: postcolonial museum practices examining colonial collections and restitution; transnational material histories exploring cultural exchange and identity formation; and decolonial methodologies challenging canonical art histories through archival reexamination. Current projects include SOAS-led research on Southeast Asian restitution paradigms and AHRC-funded work on decolonizing national collections through machine learning applications.

Publication trends reveal sustained engagement with archival reinterpretation, particularly through the recurring 'Forgotten Weaver' project examining Malayan craft histories. Recent works demonstrate increased focus on participatory sound installations (e.g., Sonic Soundings) and feminist knowledge-sharing frameworks like Slideshow Party developed for Singapore Biennale 2023.

Significant recognitions include:

• Arts Foundation Digital Arts Fellowship (1998)
• ACME 5-year Fire Station Residency (2001)
• Samsung Digital Art Plus Prize Nomination (2012)
• Stanley Picker Fine Art Fellowship (2018-2020)

As Research Associate with UAL's Decolonising Arts Institute, she contributes to major grants including the AHRC's 'Transforming Collections' initiative. She leads the Moving Image research group and has curated geo-locational projects like Sonic Soundings across international contexts.