معرفی
Dr. Christopher McHugh is a Lecturer in Ceramics at Ulster University's Belfast School of Art within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences. He joined Ulster University in 2017 and previously served as Course Director of BA Hons Ceramics, Jewellery & Silversmithing (2018-2021). Currently, he teaches ceramics as part of BA Fine Art, Foundation Studies and MSc Art Psychotherapy programs. McHugh also serves as Global Engagement Lead at Belfast School of Art and Visual Arts Subject Specialist for the Northern Bridge Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership.
McHugh's educational background includes a PhD in Ceramics from the University of Sunderland (2015), an MPhil in Archaeology from the University of Cambridge (2000), and a BA Hons in Archaeology from Durham University (1998). He also held a MEXT Scholarship at Kyoto University, Japan (2001-2003). He was an AHRC Cultural Engagement Fellow at Sunderland University in 2016.
His practice-led research explores the relationship between artistic and archaeological methodologies, with particular focus on archives, museum collections, and communities. McHugh has conducted extensive research on Japan's post-war ceramic figurine industry since 2015. His work bridges contemporary ceramic practice with material culture studies, arts and health applications, and community engagement. He is particularly interested in supervising PhD students working on research topics relating to contemporary ceramic practice, arts and health, museum collections, and material culture.
Analysis of McHugh's recent publications reveals a strong focus on Japanese ceramic traditions, particularly his SetoMonogatari project exploring Seto's novelty figurine culture. His work connects archaeological methodology with contemporary ceramic practice, often examining how material culture can facilitate community engagement and wellbeing. Many publications address the intersection of ceramics with memory, trauma, and therapeutic practices, reflecting his work in art psychotherapy.
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2021)
- Member of the International Academy of Ceramics (2021)
- Honorable Mention - 9th Cheongju International Craft Competition (2015)
- Works Setomonogatari 1-4 acquired by the Seto City Art Museum (2016)
- Ulster University Early Career Researcher Impact Fund Award (2021)
McHugh serves as a Board Member of Craft NI and Subject Adviser to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. He is external examiner of MA Ceramics at Staffordshire University and was previously external examiner for Ceramics and Glass at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin (2019-21). He is actively involved in research projects including 'The excavation and incavation of dance' exploring contemporary archaeological approaches to materialize memory, and 'Re-encountering Heritage' investigating new methods of museum engagement through creative practice. His work is held in public collections including the Irish State Art Collection and Seto Art Museum in Japan.
