John Hatch

Dr. John Hatch is an Associate Professor in the Department of Visual Arts at the University of Western Ontario, Faculty of Arts & Humanities. His scholarly work bridges art history, science, and cosmology, focusing on intersections between modern art, astronomy, and theoretical physics.

• PhD in Art History and Theory from University of Essex (1995)
• MA in Art History from Queen’s University (1989)
• BFA in Art History from Concordia University (1987)

Hatch’s research explores how scientific concepts influence art and architecture, with recent studies on celestial imagery in works by Thomas Ruff, Anselm Kiefer, and Robert Smithson. His publications analyze relativistic theory’s impact on De Stijl architecture, wave patterns in Kupka’s paintings, and cosmic symbolism in surrealism.

He has received multiple grants including SSHRC Explore Grants and Faculty of Arts Dean’s Travel-Research Grants (2015–2023). His monograph Kazuo Nakamura: Life & Work (2021) and articles in Culture and Cosmos and Nexus Network Journal highlight interdisciplinary approaches to art.

• 2023 Faculty of Arts Dean's Travel-Research Grant
• 2022 SSHRC Explore Grant
• 2019 SSHRC Explore Grant

Hatch supervises PhD and Master’s students, with past advisees exploring topics like cultural astronomy, entropy in art, and scientific epistemology. His work continues to redefine relationships between artistic practice and scientific thought across historical and contemporary contexts.