Sean Caulfield

Sean Caulfield is a Professor and Interim Department Chair in the Department of Art and Design at the University of Alberta, holding the Centennial Professor title. His practice spans printmaking, drawing, artist's books, and intermedia with a focus on anatomical representation and environmental themes.

His educational background includes:

• MFA in Printmaking, University of Alberta (1995)

Caulfield's research investigates intersections of art and science through anatomical exploration and socio-political commentary. His work employs traditional printmaking techniques as communication tools for community engagement, often addressing climate change, political discourse, and the human condition through large-scale installations and artist's books. Recent projects demonstrate increasing interdisciplinary collaboration and material experimentation.

His exhibition history reveals consistent thematic development across anatomical studies and environmental narratives, with recent works like the Expanded Anatomies series evolving from earlier projects such as The Flood. The integration of scientific concepts with artistic practice forms a distinctive thread throughout his career.

Major recognitions include:

• The Special Award of the Rector of the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw (Krakow Triennial, 2015)
• Election to the Royal Society of Canada's Arts Division (2017)
• SSHRC Dissemination Grant: Canadian Stem Cell Network Impact Grant
• SSHRC Fine Arts Creation Grant
• Canada Council Travel Grant
• Visual Arts Fellowship, Illinois Arts Council

Caulfield has secured substantial research funding from SSHRC and the Canada Council, supporting international exhibitions and collaborative projects like A Tragedy of the Commons with Susan Colberg and Steven Hoffman. His work is held in prestigious collections including Harvard's Houghton Library and Cambridge's Fitzwilliam Museum, reflecting significant institutional recognition. His practice bridges studio creation with academic leadership through extensive exhibition activity across North America, Europe, and Asia.

While no formal lab structure is described, Caulfield's studio-based practice involves material experimentation with wood, paper, and mixed media, often developed through collaborative frameworks that extend his artistic inquiry into public discourse and community engagement.