Karin Harrasser

Karin Harrasser serves as Director of the ifk (Institute for Cultural Studies) and Professor of Cultural Studies at the University of Art and Design Linz. She leads interdisciplinary research initiatives and curatorial projects spanning multiple continents.

Her educational background includes:

• Studies in History and German
• Doctorate from University of Vienna (2005) with dissertation on narratives of digital cultures
• Habilitation at Humboldt University of Berlin with work on 'Prostheses. Figures of a Damaged Modernity' (2016)

Harrasser's research explores the complex intersections between cultural theory, transnational history, and contemporary political formations. Her work particularly focuses on asymmetric cultural transfers between Europe and South America, examining how globalization processes reshape historical narratives and contemporary identities. She investigates the material and symbolic dimensions of cultural exchange, with particular attention to figures of displacement, migration, and resistance. Her theoretical framework draws from postcolonial studies, critical theory, and cultural anthropology, creating innovative approaches to understanding contemporary global dynamics.

Harrasser's publications reveal a consistent engagement with transnational narratives and the material conditions of cultural production. Her recent work examines German-Bolivian historical connections and contemporary forms of resistance, demonstrating her commitment to analyzing cultural phenomena through both historical depth and contemporary relevance. Her scholarship bridges theoretical rigor with practical engagement in artistic and curatorial projects.

As Director of the ifk, Harrasser oversees numerous research initiatives including workshops on asexuality, fungal studies, and unconscious processes. She has organized projects with international collaborators including Kampnagel Hamburg, Tanzquartier Vienna, MAPA Teatro, and the Colombian Truth Commission in Bogotá, demonstrating her commitment to transnational scholarly exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration.