Brett Van Hoesen

Brett Van Hoesen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Art History at the University of Nevada, Reno, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts. Her research spans European modern and contemporary art, with a focus on German art, Dada, photomontage, visual culture, and postcolonial studies.

Educational Background:

• Ph.D. in Art History, University of Iowa, 2009
• M.A. in Art History, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 1998
• B.A. in Art, minor in Dance, University of Iowa, 1993

Her scholarship critically examines the intersections of avant-garde practices and colonial discourse, particularly during the Weimar era. Key interests include sound art, African art, museum studies, and the politics of representation. She frequently contributes to public discourse through lectures and docent training at the Nevada Museum of Art and has taught internationally in Italy.

Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in postcolonial critique, Weimar-era visual culture, and the global dimensions of modern art. Themes recurrently include identity, gender, race, and the legacy of empire in artistic production.

She has authored and contributed to numerous scholarly publications, including exhibition catalogues, journal articles, and book chapters, though no formal scientific awards are listed.

Brett Van Hoesen actively engages in academic and public education, mentoring emerging artists through exhibition essays and curatorial commentary. While no specific grants or student advisees are mentioned, her involvement in MFA/BFA exhibitions indicates a commitment to student development. She has also co-authored works and presented at international conferences, reflecting sustained scholarly engagement.

She contributes to cultural institutions such as the Nevada Museum of Art and has previously held museum internships at Harvard’s Fogg and Busch-Reisinger Museums, the Walters Art Museum, and the University of Iowa Museum of Art, demonstrating deep ties to museum practice and curation.