Tom O'Dea

Tom O'Dea is a Lecturer in Sculpture and Expanded Practice at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin. He is also a Research Fellow at CONNECT, Ireland's SFI Centre for Future Networks at Trinity College Dublin, and co-chairs the Network Ecologies research theme. His work explores the intersection of computation, knowledge production, and societal transformation through mixed-media sculpture, social practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Education: PhD in Visual Art Practice (TCD), Master's in Digital Media (Huston School of Film & Digital Media, NUIG), Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering (UCD)

His research examines how computational systems shape human agency, environmental sustainability, and political structures, with a focus on platform capitalism, telepresence, and digital materialities. He co-founded the Orthogonal Methods Group (OMG) and the Dublin Art and Technology Association (DATA), fostering dialogues between engineering and artistic methodologies.

O'Dea's practice spans exhibitions, workshops, and essays, including the peer-learning platform Memory, Loss and the essay After Measurement. Recent collaborations include Tírdreacha/Krajobrazy/Landschaften/مناظر الطبیعة and Counter-Infrastructures, addressing themes of connectivity and activism.

Scientific Awards:
• Arts Council Visual Arts Bursary Award (2023, 2020)
• Arts Council Agility Award (2022)
• Visual & Performing Arts Fund awards (2018, 2014)
• Dublin Art & Technology Association showcase (2013)

He has exhibited internationally, with notable works such as A Séance for Pierre Méchain, Totem, and Chatter, interrogating the material and ethical dimensions of digital infrastructures. He also contributes to educational initiatives like the CONNECT 2019 Summer School AI/ML Ethics strand.