Robert Fleck

Prof. Dr. Robert Fleck is Professor for Art and the Public at the Düsseldorf Art Academy since April 2012. Born in 1957 in Vienna, he lives in Düsseldorf, Paris and Lannion (Brittany). Fleck studied at the Universities of Vienna, Innsbruck, and Paris with Gilles Deleuze and Michel Foucault, earning his doctorate in Modern History and Art History from the University of Innsbruck in 1987 under Helmut Reinalter and Anton Pelinka.

His distinguished career includes serving as Director of the Nantes School of Fine Arts (2000-2003), Commissioner for Art in Public Spaces of Paris (2002-2003), Director of Deichtorhallen Hamburg (2004-2008), and Director of the Art and Exhibition Hall in Bonn (2009-2012). Fleck has curated major exhibitions including the Vienna Secession's 100th anniversary and Manifesta 2 in Luxembourg.

Fleck's research focuses on contemporary art practices, art history, and the relationship between art and public space. His recent publications reveal a growing engagement with ecological concerns in art, as seen in his 2023 book 'Art and Ecology,' alongside his continued scholarly work on major 20th and 21st century artists. His teaching approach combines theoretical instruction with practical guidance for emerging artists.

His extensive publication record demonstrates expertise across multiple domains of art history, with particular focus on European artists like Heinz Mack, Yves Klein, and Pierre Soulages. Fleck's work bridges historical analysis with contemporary theoretical frameworks, examining how art functions within changing social and political contexts from the 19th century to the present.

• Officer in the Order of Arts and Letters, Paris (2010)
• Dr. hc. from Academy of Fine Arts of Cluj-Napoca, Romania (2001)
• Board member of CIMAM (2004-2012)
• Member of Supervisory Board of Réunion des Musées Nationaux-Grand Palais, Paris (2011-2014)

Fleck actively mentors students through studio visits and practical courses on exhibition organization and career development for artists. His current teaching for Winter semester 2024/2025 includes 'Survival training' workshops addressing the professional challenges artists face after graduation, reflecting his commitment to preparing students for sustainable artistic careers in contemporary society.