Gerlov van Engelenhoven

Dr. Gerlov van Engelenhoven is an Assistant Professor at Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS), specializing in postcolonial memory, law and culture, and cultural interaction. His research methodology combines participatory research with discourse analysis and (auto)ethnography, with a particular focus on the empowering potential of silence in decolonial memory activism.

His academic journey includes a PhD Summa Cum Laude from Justus Liebig University, Giessen (2020), an ICLON Master of Education in Art and Culture from Leiden University (2014), a Research MA in Study of Art and Literature Cum Laude (2012), and a BA in Literary Studies (2010).

Van Engelenhoven's research interests center on postcolonial memory and heritage, with special attention to voice, silence and empowerment, law and culture, and cultural interaction. His current NWO-funded Veni research project (2024-2028) titled "Listening to Silence: Silence as Empowerment in Contemporary Dutch Postcolonial Memory" explores how decolonial activists, curators and artists actively use silence in their practice. He also hosts the video podcast "Unboxing: Uitgepakte Verhalen" in collaboration with Museum Maluku, discussing matters of intangible heritage with members of the Moluccan postcolonial diasporic community in the Netherlands.

His notable publications include the 2023 open-access book "Postcolonial Memory in the Netherlands: Meaningful Voices, Meaningful Silences" published by Amsterdam University Press, and several articles examining postcolonial memory through legal frameworks, cultural heritage, and silence as empowerment.

His scientific awards include:

• PhD, Summa Cum Laude (2020)
• Veni grant (NWO Talent Program) (2024-2028)
• Doctoral scholarship at GCSC (Giessen, Germany) funded by the German Universities Excellence Initiative (2016-2020)
• Subsidy awarded by the Justus Liebig University, Gießen (2019)
• BKO (Dutch Basis Qualification Certificate for University Education) (2016)

As an educator, Van Engelenhoven teaches courses on Cultural Interaction: Conflict and Cooperation, Memory and Decolonization, and various other topics related to his research interests. He is also a committee member of the Education Committee, an advisory board member for Frame: Journal of Literary Studies, and a co-initiator of the research group Environmental Humanities.

His current research collaborations include work with Dr. Tom Frijns (Utrecht University), activist and performance artist Loretta Lau, photographer Michelle Piergoelam, and sound artist Finn Maätita on the Lowlands Science project, where they host interactive performances with festival goers to explore emotions and memory.