معرفی
Dr Laura O'Connor is a Lecturer in Foundation Studies at Belfast School of Art, Ulster University, based at the Belfast campus. Her academic work bridges contemporary art practice with critical examinations of digital culture and Northern Irish identity.
Her research interests focus on Contemporary Art, Sculpture, and Digital Media, with particular emphasis on data privacy in artistic contexts and collaborative practices. Her fingerprint analysis shows significant activity in Artists (100%), Belfast (62%), Sculpture (50%), Northern Ireland (39%), and Digital Arts (26%).
Recent publication trends reveal a strong shift toward data privacy themes, with 2025 outputs examining user content ethics and digital rights. Her collaborative approach is evident across all works, frequently partnering with collectives like Array Collective. The Exhibition: User Content? (2025) exemplifies her critical engagement with data protection frameworks in digital art.
Scientific awards:
- Turner Prize 2021 Winner (awarded to Array Collective of which she is a core member)
Dr O'Connor actively participates in academic discourse through conference organization, including the 2025 LawTech Collider panel on user content and the 2024 'Curating Activism' workshop. Her collaborative model extends to institutional partnerships with IMMA (Irish Museum of Modern Art) and Rua Red, demonstrating significant engagement with national and international art institutions.
Her work with Array Collective represents a sustained commitment to socially engaged art practices rooted in Northern Irish contexts while addressing global themes of self-determination and digital citizenship.
