Maria Muhle

Prof. Dr. Maria Muhle is a Professor of Philosophy | Aesthetic Theory at the Academy of Fine Arts Munich, where she holds the Chair of Philosophy. She is actively engaged in research, teaching, and doctoral supervision, and leads significant interdisciplinary projects. Her academic affiliations include the DFG Research Group 'Media and Mimesis' and the International Doctoral Program 'Mimesis' at LMU Munich.

• Academy of Fine Arts Munich – Professor of Philosophy | Aesthetic Theory (since 2014)
• Bauhaus University Weimar – Research Assistant (2008–2012), DFG Graduate Program Applicant (since 2020)
• LMU Munich – Principal Investigator, International Doctoral Program 'Mimesis' (2017–2021)
• Ruhr University Bochum – Visiting Junior Professor (2010/11)
• Merz Academy Stuttgart – Professor for Aesthetic Theory (2012–2014)

Her research centers on political aesthetics, media philosophy, biopolitics, and mimesis. She explores the intersections of life, power, and representation, with a focus on 19th- and 20th-century thought. Her work bridges philosophy, art theory, and media studies, analyzing concepts of life in Foucault and Canguilhem, reenactment practices, and aesthetic realism. She is particularly known for her contributions to media and mimesis, biopolitical subjectivation, and post-representational aesthetics.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a deep engagement with mimetic practices, biopolitical theory, and aesthetic politics. They span topics from Caillois’ insect studies to contemporary reenactments, from photographic representation to the temporalities of the present. Keywords include political aesthetics, media philosophy, and life forms, with recurring sub-fields such as mimesis, subjectivity, and normativity. Her work is consistently interdisciplinary, drawing on philosophy, art history, and cultural theory.

Her scientific contributions are marked by editorial leadership and collaborative research:

• Co-founder and editor of August Verlag Berlin
• Editor of the book series Medien und Mimesis
• Head of sub-projects in the DFG Research Group 'Media and Mimesis'
• Supervisor of numerous doctoral students in philosophy and art theory
• Regular international keynote speaker and workshop leader

Maria Muhle advises PhD candidates on topics ranging from digital mimesis to biopolitical bodies and aesthetic realism. She has been involved in major research grants, including DFG-funded projects and international doctoral programs. Her leadership in the DFG Graduate Program in Media Anthropology at Bauhaus University Weimar underscores her role in shaping emerging scholarly fields. She also participates in public intellectual life through lectures, artist conversations, and curated discussion series such as 'Theoriekantine' and 'Philosophische Miniaturen'.

She is embedded in a vibrant research ecosystem, including:

• Research Group 'Media and Mimesis' – Leading sub-projects on mimetic modes of existence
• International Doctoral Program 'Mimesis' – PI at LMU Munich
• Center for Advanced Study BildEvidenz – Fellow at Freie Universität Berlin (2018)
• DFG Research Training Groups – Former member and associated member in Frankfurt/Oder and Potsdam