Paula Smithard

Paula Smithard is a Senior Lecturer in Fine Art Theory and the Year 2 Leader of BA Hons Painting at Camberwell College of Arts, part of University of the Arts London (UAL). She has lectured widely at institutions including Loughborough University, Central Saint Martins, Goldsmiths, Birkbeck, and The Open University.

• Education: MA in History & Theory of 20th Century Art (Goldsmiths), BA Hons in History of Modern Art, Design & Film (Northumbria University)
• Certifications: PGCE (HE) in Education (Greenwich), City & Guilds 7307 Teaching Certificate, SEDA Accreditation

Her research focuses on feminist art practice, gender and sexuality in contemporary art, surrealism, psychoanalysis, and continental philosophy. She explores pedagogical innovations through projects like 'the edit' bibliography website and 'Words of Art' workshops, emphasizing inclusivity and decolonizing curricula.

Recent projects include the 'Milk and Honey' exhibition (2024), 'I Have Eaten It' meals/workshops (2022), and 'Painting, Community, History' exhibition (2022). These initiatives integrate art, poetry, and community engagement, supported by UAL and CCW funding.

• Scientific Awards: Fellow of AdvanceHE, HEA Fellowship (2003)

Paula supervises MPhil/PhD students like Karl Foster and Gavin Edmonds. She contributes to art criticism, gallery talks, and panels at Tate, Camden Arts Centre, and Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.

She co-convenes the Lacanian Forum of London, serves as assistant editor for JCFAR, and is a member of AICA (International Association of Art Critics).