ABOUT US

Dr. Nicola Pezolet

It is a great honour and privilege to be the new Art History Department Chair here at Concordia. I have been a full-time faculty member in the Faculty of Fine Arts since 2013. My research is focused generally on the history, theory and criticism of art and architecture, with a special interest in the various intersections of the secular and the religious. In my time at Concordia, I’ve had the chance to teach many courses on art and architecture history, and to work as our Undergraduate Program Director and then as our Graduate Program Director. I’ve also served on several faculty and university-wide committees. I’ve thus collaborated with students, faculty members, administrators and stakeholders, and I feel like I’ve developed a good sense of the inner workings of our unit within the larger academic milieu in Montreal and beyond.

For decades, Concordia’s Art History undergraduate and graduate programs have been recognized for fostering innovative research on historical and contemporary art objects and practices, as well as the critical study of visual and material culture more broadly (including print culture, photography, interior design, craft, and fashion). While our focus has historically been on Canada and North America, we are continuing to expand to include more global perspectives. Our Department takes pride in fostering a mutually supportive, inclusive and collegial environment in which our students can improve their research skills, fine tune their writing, gain confidence at speaking in public, as well as get involved in various group activities, on campus and beyond. 

As our academic unit head, my primary focus remains the same as it’s always been since I became a professor: to support and help others achieve their various academic and personal goals. My aim is also to ensure that decisions are made as closely as possible to the individuals and groups affected by them, in order to promote autonomy, transparency, and responsiveness in governance structures. I sincerely hope to foster a strong sense of belonging and collaboration within our team, as well as to foster respect. 

I’d be happy to answer your email or to discuss with you via phone or Zoom (by appointment). You may also come during office hours. If you are already in the program and you are considering further studies, I’d love to discuss your future plans and offer some general guidance about your academic and professional development. You may wish to contact our wonderful Department assistant for various administrative questions.

My colleagues and I look forward to being in touch with you and I wish you all much success in your studies and your careers! Il me fera grand plaisir de vous répondre en français si vous préférez.