ABOUT US
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
WHAT IS ART HISTORY?
The field of Art History has changed tremendously in recent years, and our Department is at the forefront of those changes. The European legacy of art is now taught within a cross-cultural perspective, while Indigenous Art has become integral to how we teach and understand Canadian Art History.
We continue to study traditional art forms such as painting and sculpture, but art history at Concordia now encompasses many more kinds of images and objects, including
- photography
- craft objects
- interior design
- public art
- fashion
- architecture
- urban space
Equally important are the ideas, theories, and present-day concerns that both professors and students bring into the classroom: concerns related to social justice, decolonization, environmental politics, race and ethnicity, and feminism and queer theory, to name just a few.
WHO WE ARE
Meet the Chair
Dr. John Potvin
I am tremendously proud of the many vibrant and active student groups our department boasts. These student organizations are an ideal way not only to socialize, but also to enhance professional development and expand learning beyond the classroom setting. Concordia is located in the heart of Montreal and the city itself offers a rich urban landscape in which to pursue the history and practice of art. From the numerous artist-run centres to larger institutions like the McCord Museum and the Montreal Museum of Fine Art, the city’s vibrant art scene is a significant added value to a university experience. Even after so many years, I continue to be amazed by the surprises Art History has to offer. On behalf of my colleagues, I invite you to be in touch and start a conversation about your possible future with us.
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Nicola Pezolet
I am an Associate Professor of art and architectural history. I am originally from Québec and joined Concordia University in 2013 after several years studying and working abroad. As Graduate Program Director, my goal is to act as a bridge between faculty members, graduate students and alumni. I am also there to support students, via our annual thesis seminar, in their academic and professional development as well as in their thesis-related research. The Department of Art History’s Graduate Program takes pride in fostering a mutually supportive, inclusive and collegial environment. Our goal is for our graduate students to think critically, to expand their historical knowledge, to improve their research skills, to fine tune their writing, to gain confidence at speaking in public, and to get involved in various cultural activities, on campus and beyond. Whether you are a prospective student or you are already at Concordia, feel free to reach out to me via email with your questions (in English or in French).
Undergraduate Program Director
Dr. Steven Stowell
I am Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Programs in the Department of Art History. As the academic advisor to students enrolled in our Major and Minor programs, I am happy to discuss any academic questions you may have regarding undergraduate courses in Art History. You can feel free to visit me during my office hours, or contact me by email if you have any questions about degree requirements, which courses might best enrich your studies, professional development, and academic standing, among other things. I also supervise the undergraduate internship program, and am happy to meet with students wanting to take advantage of this opportunity. Whether you are a prospective or current student, I look forward to meeting with you in the coming months if you have any questions about our undergraduate programs and courses. On behalf of the Department, I wish you a very successful and productive academic year!
