Simon A. Clarke

Dr. Simon A. Clarke is a Senior Lecturer at Falmouth University, where he bridges academic research with creative practice. His PhD, Motif, Pattern, Colour and Text in Contemporary Kanga Cloth: An Analysis and Personal Response, established his expertise in African textiles, drawing from visual anthropology and material culture methodologies.

• PhD: Birmingham City University
• MA & BA: Birmingham City University & Middlesex University
• Art Foundation: Falmouth College of Art and Design

His research explores African Photography Archives, Printed Textiles, and Creative Practice as Research, with fieldwork spanning South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar. His seminal 2025 book Life Itself: Photography and South Africa traces the nation’s visual history from colonialism to democracy, featuring iconic photographers like David Goldblatt and Lindokuhle Sobekwa.

Recent projects include contributions to the V&A Africa Fashion exhibition (2022–2026) and collaborations with institutions such as the University of Cape Town. His 2014 book Print: Fashion, Interiors, Art remains a key reference in transdisciplinary design.

• Scientific Awards: Multiple research grants from the British Institute in Eastern Africa, University of Northampton, and British Airways (subsidized flights)
• Students: Supervised 3 PhD completions, including Paul Reynolds (Ontology of Holes in Devore Lace) and Becky Gooby (Digital Color Printing)
• Teaching: Courses in African Studies, Printed Textiles, and Design Innovation

As an External Examiner (University of the Creative Arts, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology), and Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute, Clarke’s work synthesizes archival research, artistic creation, and critical theory to redefine African visual narratives.