Kris Belden-Adams

Kris Belden-Adams is an Associate Professor of Art History at the University of Mississippi, affiliated with the Department of Art and Art History in the College of Liberal Arts. She specializes in the history of photography, modern and contemporary art, and digital visual culture. Her research explores themes such as photographic temporality, eugenics in visual practices, and the socio-cultural impact of photography.

Education:

• B.S. Journalism, University of Kansas (1993)
• M.A. History, Theory & Criticism of Modern Art & Architecture, School of the Art Institute of Chicago (2003)
• MPhil Art History, CUNY Graduate School and University Center (2006)
• Ph.D. Art History, CUNY Graduate School and University Center (2010)

Research Interests: Belden-Adams focuses on the intersection of photography with modernity, temporality, and social constructs. Notable works include Photography, Temporality, Modernity: Time Warped (2019) and Photography, Eugenics, ‘Aristogenics’: Picturing Privilege (2020). She also contributes to Smarthistory/Khan Academy’s photography coverage.

Teaching: Courses include History of Photography, Contemporary Art, and research-focused seminars. Her pedagogy emphasizes critical engagement with visual culture and historical methodologies.

Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles and books, including works on X-ray history, travel selfies, and AI-generated imagery. Recent topics include generative AI in art history and redefining photography’s role in digital age.