Robert Spahr

Robert Spahr serves as Associate Professor and Director of the School of Media Arts at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. A visual artist working across code-based automated art, live performance, drawing, painting, and sculpture, his practice critically examines the Internet's societal impact, contributing to the discourse of post-Internet art.

His academic credentials include:

• M.F.A. in Sculpture from Parsons School of Design, New York City (1991)
• B.F.A. in Fine Arts with a concentration in Sculpture from the Art Academy of Cincinnati, College of Art and Design

Spahr's research centers on computational art, generative and procedural art processes, and genetic algorithms, with a strong commitment to free/open source software and free culture. His interests extend to mobile media, time-based media, and live art, often manifested in public interventions and digital platforms. Notable projects include the internationally exhibited "Milton's Balm Cruft" and performances at events like GENERATIVE ART 2021 in Sardinia.

His scholarly output, though limited in traditional publications, is influential in new media art circles, as evidenced by citations in key texts such as "Thinking through Digital Media" and "Dysfunction and Decentralization in New Media Art and Education". His work consistently explores network culture, automation, and digital media's societal implications through exhibitions like Re-Fest 2023 and Generative Art FUTURING Past.

As co-founder of Expanded Arts, Spahr directed over 300 productions including the Off-Broadway hit "Shakespeare's R&J" (longest-running Romeo & Juliet in Off-Broadway history), "Free Shakespeare in the Park(ing) Lot" series, and the "94 plays in 94 days summer festival" on Manhattan's Lower East Side.