Tom McGuirk

Dr. Tom McGuirk is a Senior Lecturer in Art Theory/Critical Theory at the University of Chester's Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, School for the Creative Industries. With extensive international experience spanning three decades, he has taught at prestigious institutions including the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, KEA – Copenhagen School of Design and Technology in Denmark, and Nottingham Trent University. His academic career demonstrates deep commitment to bridging theoretical inquiry with practical artistic work across multiple educational contexts.

Dr. McGuirk's educational background includes:

• PhD in Art and Design Education from the National University of Ireland (NUI), completed at the National College of Art & Design, Dublin (1999-2003)
• BA (Hons) Painting from the National College of Art and Design, Dublin (1980-1984)
• Diploma from ANCAD, National College of Art & Design, Dublin (1980-1983)

Specializing in Artistic Research and Practice Based Research from an epistemological standpoint, Dr. McGuirk challenges traditional knowledge hierarchies that privilege conceptual forms over embodied modes of knowing. His research focuses particularly on drawing as a legitimate knowledge-producing activity, drawing theoretical frameworks from Michael Polanyi, Alva Noë, Mark Johnson, George Lakoff, and Vittorio Gallese. His work creates vital connections between philosophical inquiry and practical artistic concerns, advancing our understanding of how knowledge is generated through material engagement and sensory experience.

Dr. McGuirk's publication trajectory reveals consistent evolution in his exploration of embodied knowledge. His recent work (2022-2024) expands his foundational research on drawing into somaesthetics and extended realities, while maintaining his core commitment to understanding how artistic practice produces knowledge. His publications demonstrate a sophisticated integration of theoretical frameworks with practical artistic concerns, creating a rich dialogue between cognitive science, philosophy, and artistic practice that continues to influence contemporary discourse in artistic research methodologies.

Dr. McGuirk's academic recognition includes:

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), awarded March 2024

With extensive experience supervising PhD students at Chester and examining externally at the University of Staffordshire, Dr. McGuirk has significantly shaped emerging scholars in art and design. His supervision portfolio includes diverse projects such as Wayne Robinson's thesis on painting liminality and research on outdoor artmaking. His international conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and editorial work - including co-editing the influential anthology 'Artistic Research: Strategies for Embodiment' (2015) - demonstrate his leadership in advancing methodological approaches to artistic research.

Though specific laboratory structures aren't detailed, Dr. McGuirk's collaborative work with scholars like A. Summers on somaesthetics and extended realities indicates meaningful research partnerships. His active participation in international conferences like CA2RE (Conference for Artistic and Architectural Doctoral Research) and institutional reviews for universities including The Open University and Liverpool John Moores University demonstrates his engagement with broader academic networks dedicated to advancing artistic research methodologies and educational practices.