Joanne Crawford

Joanne Crawford is a Professor in History and Theory of Art and Head of the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies at the University of Leeds. Her work bridges mid-20th century abstract art, philosophical aesthetics, and cultural studies.

Research Interests:

• Mid-century French and American abstract painting, drawing, and sculpture (e.g., Rothko, Michaux, Wols).
• Intersections of death, subjectivity, and aesthetics through philosophical frameworks.
• Engagement with philosophers like Sartre, Nietzsche, and Blanchot.
• Historical avant-garde movements and Cold War-era artistic trends.

Teaching: Led foundational modules on visual analysis, philosophical theories of art, and advanced seminars on Cold War rhetoric and Abstract Expressionism.

Education:

• BA (Hons) in Philosophy and History of Art.
• MA in Social History of Art.
• PhD in History of Art.