معرفی
Craig Eliason is a Professor in the Department of Art History & Museum Studies at the University of St. Thomas, where he contributes to the College of Arts and Sciences. His work bridges academic research and practical design, particularly in typography and modern art history. He has held significant fellowships, including from the National Endowment for the Humanities (2020), the Harry Ransom Center (2009–10), and Houghton Library (2009–10). His research explores the history of modern-face types, global writing systems’ impact on Western typography, and the theoretical connections between early 20th-century art movements like Dada and Constructivism.
Education:
- PhD in Art History, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
- MA in Art History, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
- BA in Fine Arts, Amherst College, Amherst, MA (magna cum laude)
Research Interests: Eliason’s research focuses on the history of typography and type design, particularly modern-face types emerging in the late 18th century and their global encounters. He examines the classification of printing types in the modern period and how this intersects with art theory and practice. His earlier work explored the relationship between Dada and Constructivist movements, especially in Theo van Doesburg’s career. His design practice, including typeface projects like Feneon and Cuttlefish, informs and is informed by his scholarly work.
Recent Research Trends: His publications and presentations highlight the cultural and historical dimensions of type design, including its classification, global influences, and intersections with fashion and visual culture. He critiques traditional taxonomies and emphasizes the role of typography in museums and digital contexts, as seen in his 2021 article on type design in museums and his 2019 talk on teaching type design to non-designers.
Scientific Awards:
- National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute Fellowship (2020)
- Harry Ransom Center Limited Editions Club Endowment Fellowship (2009–10)
- Houghton Library Katherine F. Pantzer Jr. Fellowship in Descriptive Bibliography (2009–10)
- Honorable Mention, Morisawa Type Design Competition (2014)
Advising & Grants: While no advisees are listed, Eliason has secured major grants and fellowships, including NEH support. His typeface designs, such as Backflip (formerly Flipper), have been recognized in competitions and exhibitions. He is currently involved in developing typefaces like Strooptest and has collaborated on projects at the Selim Center and Minnesota Center for Book Arts.
Labs & Teams: Eliason’s work extends to typeface design collaborations, including exhibitions at the Gutenberg Museum (2013) and California Marymount University’s “Text, Type, Typography” exhibition (2016–17). His designs reflect both scholarly rigor and creative practice, showcasing his role as a researcher and designer.
