art forum COMMUNITY

Is research the new black?
Artists and academics undertake research ‘for’, ‘on’ and ‘through’ art. Each of these prepositions shapes our understanding of what research is and the kinds of knowledge it generates. Where does art’s ‘unfinished thinking’ sit within the conventional knowledge systems of the university? Is there a place for art’s ‘boundary work’ within the university’s research metrics?

In this presentation, Dr Chris McAuliffe will reflect on art practice and research in the university context, and outline some of his own current research projects. You’ll also discover what puff pastry and Robert Smithson’s Spiral Jetty (1970) have in common.

Chris McAuliffe commenced as Professor (Practice-led research) in the School of Art, January 2015. Prior to that he was Director of the Ian Potter Museum of Art (2000-2013) and Professor of Australian Studies, Harvard University (2011-12).