University of New South Wales Appoints Paul Gladston as Judith Neilson Chair of Contemporary Art

On February 15, Sydney’s University of New South Wales (UNSW) appointed art historian and theorist Paul Gladston as its inaugural Judith Neilson chair of contemporary art. In his new role, Gladston will lead scholarly research at UNSW’s art and design department, focusing on his region of specialization, China.

The chair was established in February 2017 with a USD six million gift from philanthropist and founder of Sydney’s White Rabbit Gallery, Judith Neilson, with the aim of expanding global and critical perspectives within visual culture.

Regarding Gladston’s appointment, dean Ross Harley said: “As the inaugural recipient of this chair, Professor Gladston will lead our research and dialogue in contemporary Chinese culture internationally. His expertise and academic leadership will enhance UNSW’s global excellence in this field and help expand our expertise in contemporary Chinese art in a global and historic context.”

Gladston will be leaving his current positions as professor of contemporary visual culture and critical theory, and director of the Centre for Contemporary East-Asian Cultural Studies at the University of Nottingham. Prior to this, he was director of the Institute of Comparative Cultural Studies at University of Nottingham’s international outpost in Ningbo. He is currently a member of the editorial board of the academic journals Modern China Studies and Culture and Dialogue. He has also written extensively on modern and contemporary Chinese art practice and theory in publications such as Yishu, Leap, Art Review and Eyeline.

Julee WJ Chung is the assistant editor of ArtAsiaPacific.

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