Teaching
UNSW is dedicated to establishing lasting and mutually beneficial connections between China, Australia and the rest of the world, spanning culture, research and education.
PhD research opportunities
We welcome aspiring scholars to join the Judith Neilson Chair and our esteemed domestic and international network for a transformative academic experience that empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the field of contemporary art studies. Whether you're pursuing doctoral research or undergraduate studies, our vibrant community offers a conducive environment for learning and personal development.Ā
Current PhD students
Former PhD students
What our PhD students say
"I rememberĀ DrĀ MarnieĀ FeneleyĀ driving me to the National Library of Australia for a field survey of maps.Ā Under her guidance and leadership, I realized that researchers' personal contact with primary materials can bring about many changes in concepts and awareness ā¦ ā¦Ā DrĀ Ian McArthur was very meticulous in helping me solve numerous problems. From his rigorous approach, I learned the academic attitude that a scholar should have."
ā Jianxiong Jing
"What I enjoy most during my PhD candidature is the engaging discussions with my supervisors (Professor Paul Gladston andĀ DrĀ Ian McArthur) about my research topicsā¦ ā¦ It brings me great joy when we share similar understanding and insights. Conversely, when they offer different perspectives, I find it deeply enlightening. Such exchanges prompt me to reflect and encourage me to approach my research with a broader and more inclusive mindset."
ā Lin Zhou
"In both my studies and daily life, I benefited greatly from Professor Gladstonās encouragement and support. Many challenges I faced in my research were resolved through his guidance, during which my ideas and thoughts were constantly ādeconstructedā and reshaped. His encouragement, as well as his support and recognition of my research, has given me a great deal of confidence. Every time I think back to our communication, I feel profoundly empowered."
ā Nan Li
Undergraduate program
Convened by UNSW Judith Neilson Post-doctoral Fellow in Contemporary Art Dr Minerva Inwald
DART2311: East Asian Contemporary Art
The program offers a critical exploration of contemporary art originating from East Asia, with a specific focus on mainland China, Japan, and South Korea, spanning from the mid-twentieth century to the present day. It delves into the dynamic interplay between local and Western cultural influences, fostering an understanding of the historical, cultural, political, and social factors that have shaped East Asian contemporary art. Additionally, it examines how artists draw upon East Asian artistic traditions in their work, prompting students to reflect critically on concepts such as 'tradition,' 'modernity,' and 'contemporaneity' in contemporary art discussions. The course also delves into the discourse, theory, and presentation of contemporary East Asian art in various local and international contexts, encouraging students to provide multiple critical perspectives on contemporary artistic theory and practice.
What our undergraduate students say
āOne of the best courses I have taken throughout my humanities degree in UNSWā
ā myExperience student survey response, 2023
āI really enjoyed this course. I thought theā¦content was really fascinating and structured well. Each week had a specific focus but still felt part of a broader, continuous discussion and there are many ideas raised in the course that I would love to return to if given the opportunity in other courses or outside of university.ā
ā myExperience student survey response, 2022
āI 100% guarantee my writing improved because of this course.ā
ā myExperience student survey response, 2022