Daniel Morris is a Professor of English at Purdue University , with affiliations in Jewish Studies , Comparative Literature , and Film and Video Production . His research spans American literature , poetry , Jewish American culture , and modern art , focusing on intersections between poetics , political discourse , and academic transformation . His scientific work emphasizes political poetry ethnic and multicultural narratives digital media impact institutional critique avant-garde movements 20th-21st Century literary trends as seen in his extensive publications including Cambridge Companion to American Poetry and Politics (2023) and Not Born Digital (2016). Current projects include collaborations on Jewish visual culture and neoliberal university structures , though no formal grants or awards are listed in the provided texts.
Prof. Dr. Megan R. Luke is a faculty member at the University of Tübingen's Institute of Art History, holding the Professorship Dr. Paul Mellenthin. She is currently on a research sabbatical during Summer Semester 2025. Specializing in modern and contemporary art from the 19th and 20th centuries, her work bridges abstraction, collage, reproductive media, and sculpture studies. B.A., Yale University M.A./Ph.D., Harvard University Previous roles: University of Southern California (tenured since 2017), University of Chicago (Collegiate Assistant Professor) Visiting scholar: Universität Basel, Freie Universität Berlin, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich Her research explores how reproductive technologies reshaped sculptural understanding, particularly through Max Klinger, Albert Renger-Patzsch, and Carola Giedion-Welcker. She co-edits the journal Photography and Sculpture and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Kurt and Ernst Schwitters Foundation. Getty Foundation's Connecting Art Histories Initiative National Endowment for the Humanities funding William C. Seitz Senior Fellowship (CASVA) Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung Fellowship ACLS Fellowships Prof. Luke has supervised over 20 PhD dissertations on topics including photography history, interwar graphic design, and post-WWII painting. Her research group Images Out of Time examines visual culture in digital contexts, while Modernism's Future Pasts investigates East-Central European abstraction.
Jonathan Wallis is Professor of Art History and Humanities at Moore College of Art & Design, where he serves as Chair of Creative & Critical Studies and program head for Visionary Academic Honors. He previously held the Penny and Bob Fox Distinguished Professorship from 2015-2018 and received the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2013. His academic leadership extends to his role as Interim Faculty Forum President. PhD and MA in History of Art from Tyler School of Art, Temple University BA from University of New Hampshire Wallis's research focuses on the intersection of ethics, socially engaged art, and critical pedagogy, with particular expertise in surrealism and fantasy art. His work explores the post-Surrealist contributions of Salvador Dalí while examining contemporary issues in curatorial practice. As a curator, he has presented exhibitions on diverse modern and contemporary art subjects, including the significant River of Inferno exhibition featuring Chinese-American artist Yiu-Ngok Yuen. His publications span multiple prestigious venues including Art and the Public Sphere , Journal of Curatorial Studies , Papers of Surrealism , and Woman's Art Journal . Wallis has also served as guest editor for a special double-issue of Art and the Public Sphere on ethics. His scholarly work demonstrates consistent engagement with ethical questions in art, community partnerships, and innovative approaches to art historical methodology. Penny and Bob Fox Distinguished Professor (2015-2018) Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching (2013) 2024 National Fantasy Fan Federation Laureate Award for Best Novel 2024 Valorious Awards - Stellar Instinct (2nd place) 2022 Indie Ink Awards runner-up for Non-Binary Representation Wallis maintains an active creative practice under the pen name Jonathan Nevair, producing award-winning character-driven space operas and spy-fi thrillers that explore themes of identity and social structures. His dual career in academic scholarship and creative writing exemplifies his commitment to bridging theoretical frameworks with practical artistic expression.
Vesela Dancheva-Bogdanova serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Cinema, Advertising and Show Business at New Bulgarian University. An acclaimed animated film director and producer, her internationally recognized work has screened at over 90 festivals worldwide, earning multiple awards including the Bulgarian Film Academy's Best Animated Film honor for both 'Anna Blume' (2009) and 'Traveling Country' (2016). Her educational background includes: Cum Laude graduation from Willem de Kooning Art Academy, Rotterdam Animation specialization at School of Visual Arts, New York Master of Arts from National Academy of Arts in Sofia (2018) Dancheva-Bogdanova's research integrates experimental animation techniques with social commentary and literary adaptation. Her creative practice explores human relationships, political structures, and abstract concepts through innovative visual storytelling, bridging commercial advertising and artistic expression in contemporary animation. Her 15-year filmography reveals evolving technical mastery and thematic depth, with recent works like 'Trace' (2022) demonstrating sophisticated digital techniques while maintaining focus on societal critique. The body of work consistently engages with feminist perspectives, environmental issues, and cultural identity through both narrative and abstract forms. Key scientific recognition includes: Best Animated Film of 2009 (Bulgarian Film Academy) Best Animated Film of 2016 (Bulgarian Film Academy) As co-founder of Kompot Kolektiv production company, she leads international co-productions supported by entities like Robert Bosch Fund and Bulgarian National Film Center. Her academic contributions include developing the 'Animation in Advertising' curriculum while serving on juries for prestigious animation festivals. Professional leadership extends through membership in the Animation Guild of the Bulgarian Film Directors Association and representation of Bulgaria in the European Animation Association (EAA).
Guido Reuter is Professor of Medieval and Modern Art History and Dean of the Department of Art-Related Sciences at the Düsseldorf Art Academy. Appointed to his professorship in 2008, he has established himself as a significant figure in German art historical scholarship with particular expertise in sculpture across historical periods. His academic leadership extends beyond teaching to administrative responsibilities as department dean, shaping art education at one of Germany's premier art institutions. 1990-1996: Studied art history, philosophy and media studies at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf 1996: Master's degree 1996-2000: Doctoral studies at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf 2000: Doctorate with dissertation 'The Baroque High Altar in Southern Germany 1660-1770' 2008: Habilitation with thesis 'Statue and Temporality 1400-1800' Professor Reuter's research centers on the complex relationship between sculpture and temporality, spanning from early modern to contemporary periods. His work on sacred spatial ensembles reveals how religious contexts shape artistic meaning, while his investigations into 20th century German art (particularly 1945-1960) illuminate the cultural reconstruction after WWII. He approaches sculpture not merely as static objects but as dynamic elements that engage with time, space, and viewer perception. His scholarship bridges historical analysis with contemporary theoretical frameworks, creating dialogues between past and present artistic practices. Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent focus on sculpture theory, with growing attention to contemporary practices while maintaining his foundational work on historical sculpture. His writing shows particular interest in how temporal concepts manifest in three-dimensional art forms, with increasing engagement with German postwar art and contemporary sculptural practices. The geographical scope of his work has expanded from primarily German contexts to include significant European art centers. 2000-2008: Research assistant at Department of Art History, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf 2005-2007: DFG research grant recipient 1997-1999: Doctoral scholarship from North Rhine-Westphalia As Dean of the Department of Art-Related Sciences, Professor Reuter oversees academic programs and faculty development while maintaining an active research agenda. His collaborative work with Heinrich Heine University exemplifies his commitment to bridging academic art history with artistic practice. He regularly leads study trips to major European art centers including Paris, Florence, and Madrid, creating immersive learning experiences for students. Professor Reuter is an active member of the DFG network 'Theory of Sculpture' at UdK Berlin (since 2014) and maintains a significant collaborative relationship with Prof. Dr. Johannes Myssok on both teaching and research initiatives. His academic work frequently involves institutional partnerships between the Düsseldorf Art Academy and other cultural and educational institutions, creating networks that enhance both research and pedagogy in art history.
Jessica Lanay (She/They) is Artist-in-Residence at Loyola University Chicago's Department of Fine and Performing Arts for the 2024-2025 academic year. An interdisciplinary writer, poet, and art journalist, Lanay engages with the Fine Arts Program through teaching, curating exhibitions, and organizing events including a colloquium featuring experimental performance artists Jefferson Pinder and Ayana Evans, and a solo exhibition of Denae Howard's work in the Ralph Arnold Gallery. Her research interests include: Black feminist interdisciplinary writing and poetry African Diasporan art and aesthetics West and Central African spiritual practices in diaspora Radical Black feminist performance art Epistemologies of Black aesthetics Multicultural interconnectivity and Black migration histories Lanay's creative trajectory demonstrates a consistent focus on how African diasporic aesthetics challenge Western conceptions of humanity. Her poetry collection "am•phib•ian" (2020), which won the Naomi Long Madgett Poetry Prize, exemplifies her experimental approach. Recent work increasingly features collaborations with major institutions like the Brooklyn Museum and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, often centering Black women's experiences through projects like the "Black Girl Altar" installation. Her notable awards include: Naomi Long Madgett Poetry Prize from Broadside Lotus Press (2020) Broadside Poetry Press award for "am•phib•ian" (judged by Toi Derricotte) Lanay actively mentors emerging artists as literary curator at The August Wilson African American Cultural Center, hosting the monthly LIT Friday program featuring artists like Nona Faustine and Ruben Santiago-Hudson. Her teaching practice connects directly with research, as evidenced by her upcoming African Art course at Loyola University Chicago, which will incorporate community collaboration with A Long Walk Home. Currently a PhD Candidate in Art History at Indiana University-Bloomington, her dissertation examines radical Black feminist performance art throughout the African diaspora, exploring how aesthetics of radicality contribute to cultural preservation and transformation.
Carly Sheehan is a Full-Time Visiting Lecturer in the Painting + Drawing program at the University of Washington's School of Art + Art History + Design (SoAAHD). She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, including studios and seminars, and actively participates in critiques and exhibitions. Her work explores themes of gender, abstraction, and material experimentation through mixed-media paintings and installations. Education: MFA in Painting/Printmaking from Yale School of Art (2020), Post-Baccalaureate in Studio Art from Brandeis University (2018), and BFA in Art Education & Painting from Massachusetts College of Art and Design (2014). Research Interests: Critical Theory, Gender Studies, and Abstraction in contemporary art, with a focus on materiality and body representation. Awards: Recipient of the Wyckoff Milliman Grant (2023-2024), Bridge Fund Grant (2021), and Helen Frankenthaler Scholarship (2019). Exhibitions include solo shows at Specialist Gallery (2025) and Triangle Projects LA, alongside group exhibitions at Perrotin Gallery and Green Shutter House. Teaching & Grants: Taught at UW, Yale, University of New Haven, and Brandeis. Current projects include planning an exhibition at Sandpoint Gallery and coordinating graduate seminars.
Benedetto Fontana is a Professor of Political Science at Baruch College (CUNY), specializing in ancient, modern, and contemporary political theory and the history of political thought. He teaches courses in political theory and American political thought, with research emphases on Antonio Gramsci, Niccolò Machiavelli, and the intersection of politics and rhetoric. Fontana earned his Ph.D. from the Graduate Center/CUNY. His scholarly contributions include authorship of Hegemony and Power: On the Relation Between Gramsci and Machiavelli (1993) and co-editorship of Talking Democracy: Historical Perspectives on Rhetoric and Democracy (2004). His work has been published in journals such as European Journal of Political Theory , History of Political Thought , and Journal of Modern Italian Studies . Current projects explore Machiavelli's interpretation of Roman political systems and the rhetorical foundations of democratic engagement.
Kristen Letts Kovak serves as Senior Associate Dean for Academics and Student Success and Associate Teaching Professor at Carnegie Mellon University's College of Fine Arts. She teaches courses in drawing, painting, and aesthetic philosophy, including the interdisciplinary seminar 'Passport to the Arts.' Her artistic practice investigates perceptual patterning and cognitive relationships through abstract-representational dialogues. Recent series like 'Out of Order' explore chronic illness using visually destabilized compositions, while 'Monstrous Sentiments' draws from Gothic literature to examine human resilience. Research focuses on pedagogical strategies for creative risk-taking, supported by a Wimmer Faculty Fellowship. Exhibitions include solo shows at institutions like the Westmoreland Museum of American Art and group exhibitions internationally. Awards recognize both artistic contributions and educational innovation.
Beatriz Cordero Martín, Ph.D., is a faculty member in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Saint Louis University-Madrid. Her academic work bridges art history, museum studies, and transatlantic cultural exchange, with a focus on 20th-century modern art and the institutional dynamics of art promotion. Her research interests include: 20th Century Art Museum Studies and Art Collecting Transatlantic Links between Spain and the U.S. Abstract Expressionism and Institutional Critique Cold War Cultural Politics Curatorial Practices and Exhibition Design Her recent publications and conference presentations demonstrate a sustained engagement with figures such as James Johnson Sweeney, Esteban Vicente, José Guerrero, and The Irascibles. Her work explores how curators, critics, and institutions shaped modern art narratives, particularly across the Atlantic. She has curated major exhibitions like The Irascibles: Painters Against the Museum (2020) and Cortés. Portraits and Structures (2018–2019), reflecting her expertise in both scholarship and curatorial practice. Her recent articles reveal a thematic focus on the evolution of exhibition spaces—from Peggy Guggenheim’s Art of This Century to the minimalist white cube —and the role of Spanish artists in American institutions. She investigates how political, spiritual, and pedagogical dimensions intersect with modernist abstraction, often through the lens of exile and cultural mediation. Her scientific awards include: Billiken Boost Research Program for Faculty Scholarly Achievement (2023) UNED-Banco Santander Research Grant (2021–2022) George Gurney Postdoctoral Fellowship, Smithsonian Museum of American Art (2020) She has advised and mentored students through master’s programs and symposia, particularly at Universidad Complutense, Madrid. Her grants have supported research on the impact of the Spanish Civil War on American artists and the transatlantic networks of cultural promotion. She is actively involved in international academic conferences and collaborative publications, contributing to a growing body of scholarship on Spanish-American artistic relations. She has curated exhibitions at the Fundación Juan March and Fundación Telefónica, working closely with institutions in Madrid, Cádiz, and Granada. Her teams include interdisciplinary scholars, curators, and art historians, often collaborating on large-scale catalogues and symposia that bridge academic and public audiences.
Sophie Maruéjouls-Koch is a Lecturer in English at the University of Toulouse-Jean Jaurès, affiliated with the Center for Anglophone Studies (CAS). She teaches English LANSAD, English-speaking theater, and theater surtitling through CeTIM. Her academic work focuses on American literature, particularly theater, and the interplay between text and image. Her research interests include: American theater, especially the works of Tennessee Williams, Suzan-Lori Parks, and Naomi Wallace The theory of intermediality The intersection of theater and visual arts, including cinema and painting Contemporary Anglophone performance and laughter in theater Her recent publications span a wide range of journals such as Modern Drama , Transatlantica , and The Tennessee Williams Annual Review . A recurring theme in her work is the hybridization of artistic media in performance, particularly how theatrical writing absorbs cinematic and painterly techniques. She also explores contemporary directors and plays through interviews and critical reports, showing a strong engagement with live performance. Her scholarly contributions include co-editing special issues and writing annual reviews of American literature. Scientific contributions and recognitions include: Co-direction of the ACT (Anglophone Contemporary Theatre) seminar Member of the editorial committee of The Journal of the Short Story in English Co-editor of the special issue Rethinking Laughter in Contemporary Anglophone Theatre in Miranda Contributor to The Year’s Work in English Studies She has advised and co-authored works with fellow academics and theater practitioners, particularly in the form of interviews and collaborative publications. Though no formal grants are mentioned, her active participation in academic seminars and editorial boards indicates sustained research engagement. She is also involved in theatrical translation, such as her work on Susan Glaspell’s plays. She is affiliated with the following research environments: Center for Anglophone Studies (CAS), University of Toulouse-Jean Jaurès ACT Seminar (co-directed) Editorial team of Miranda and The Journal of the Short Story in English
Shenho Hshieh serves as an Adjunct Instructor in Illustration, teaching courses including Composition & Drawing (ILL-208) and Composition & Painting (ILL-153). He holds a BFA in Illustration from ArtCenter College of Design (2015) and maintains an active freelance career with clients such as the Los Angeles Times and Dallas Observer. Education BFA in Illustration, ArtCenter College of Design, 2015 Research Focus Hshieh's practice centers on contemporary illustration using acrylic ink, watercolor, and gouache to explore psychological states and intimate narratives. His work emphasizes emotional expression through figurative compositions on paper media, bridging commercial and fine art contexts with distinctive line work and symbolic storytelling. Technical mastery of mixed media defines his contributions to modern editorial illustration. Creative Output Trends From 2022-2025, Hshieh produced 30+ works dominated by acrylic ink on watercolor/BFK paper, frequently incorporating collage and gouache. His thematic focus on anxiety, reflection, and human connection manifests through psychological portraiture and symbolic still lifes. This cohesive exploration of emotional vulnerability, combined with technical innovation in paper-based media, has established his signature style in contemporary illustration. Awards & Recognition Selected for Illustration Annual 65 (Communication Arts, May/June 2024) Chosen Artist, The Archive for American Illustration 44 Chosen Artist, The Archive for American Illustration 43 Professional Activities Hshieh actively exhibits his creative practice while teaching foundational illustration courses. No student advising or research grants are documented in available materials, though his industry collaborations with major publications demonstrate professional engagement beyond academia. His ongoing 2025 works indicate continuous artistic development.
Ståle Johannes Kristiansen is a Professor of Theology, Religion, and Philosophy at NLA University College Bergen. His academic career spans multiple institutions, including the University of Bergen, MF Norwegian School of Theology, and the Ecumenical Faculty in Oslo, where he has taught courses in religious education, art history, and systematic theology. A PhD in Art History from the University of Bergen (2014) and advanced theological training from the Ecumenical Faculty (2014) underscore his interdisciplinary expertise. PhD in Art History (University of Bergen, 2014) Catholic Theology Education (Ecumenical Faculty, 2014) Kristiansen's research bridges theology, philosophy, and aesthetics, with a focus on patristic thought, Catholic educational philosophy, and theological interpretations of art. He has co-edited anthologies on Christian spirituality and religious education, exploring topics like the role of icons in theology and the intersection of modern literature with religious themes. His editorial leadership includes co-editing Segl: Katolsk årsskrift for religion og samfunn (2012–2019, 2023–) and contributing to international research networks like the International Association of Patristic Studies and the Mystical Theology Network at Oxford. Recent projects include a monograph on Christian humanism (forthcoming, 2025) and ongoing work in Catholic studies and aesthetic learning processes.
Pilar Cabañas Moreno is a Professor of Art History at the Faculty of Geography and History, Complutense University of Madrid. Since 2003, she has contributed extensively to intercultural studies between Japan and Spain, focusing on Japanese art, women's representation, and aesthetic theory. Her work spans academic research, exhibition curation, and R&D&I projects. Education: PhD in Art History (1992) Her research explores the intersections of Japanese and Spanish art, including the impact of Eastern philosophies on contemporary artists, the role of Japanese garden aesthetics, and historical dissemination of Japanese art in the West. Key projects involve cataloging Japanese holdings in Spanish collections and analyzing cultural identity through art. Recent publications highlight her expertise in Japanese-Spanish artistic dialogues, such as studies on Hokusai's influence in Europe and the symbolic role of kimonos. She has curated exhibitions like The Beginning of Asia: China, Japan and India and Contemporary Art in Spain (2018) and Namban Lacquers: Traces of Japan in Spain (2013), contributing to public understanding of intercultural art history. Collaboration with the Japan and Spain Research Group on R&D&I projects Participation in major exhibitions on Japanese art in Spain
Christa Noel Robbins is an Associate Professor of Art History at the University of Virginia, specializing in Twentieth- and Twenty-first Century Art, Critical Theory, and Media Theory. She joined UVa in 2015 after serving as the Mellon Caltech-Huntington Postdoctoral Instructor at the California Institute of Technology. PhD in Art History from the University of Chicago (2010) Her research explores queer modernism, community-building in avant-garde practices, and the intersection of art criticism with psychoanalytic and Marxist theories. She is the author of Artist as Author: Action and Intent in Late-Modernist American Painting (University of Chicago Press, 2015) and has published extensively in journals like Critical Inquiry , Oxford Art Journal , and Art in America . Her recent articles and talks focus on themes such as occasional art, Reichian psychoanalysis in abstraction, and participatory structures in performance art. These works span subfields like postwar American art, queer aesthetics, medium specificity, and institutional critique. Scientific Awards and Distinctions: Mellon Caltech-Huntington Postdoctoral Instructor in Art History Robbins also contributes to editorial and curatorial discourse, including a co-edited cluster on form for Open Set and organizing the Art + Technology Speaker's Series at Caltech. She has no formal advisees listed but collaborates with scholars like Kris Cohen.
