Rate My Professor Bernard Hoffert

Bernard Hoffert is an Emeritus Professor in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture at Monash University. He earned a BA Honours in Philosophy and Art History from La Trobe University in 1977 and a Diploma of Art in Painting and Art Theory from RMIT University in 1976. His academic career commenced as a Lecturer at Chisholm Institute of Technology from 1979 to 1989, followed by appointment as Caroline Chisholm Senior Lecturer in Art Theory at Monash in 1989. He advanced to Associate Professor in 1996, Professor in 2001, and Emeritus Professor in 2013. Hoffert held extensive leadership positions, including Head of the Department of Fine Arts at Monash Art School from 2000 to 2007, Head of the Department of Fine Art from 1996 to 2000, Head of the Department of Applied Art and Ceramic Design from 1995 to 2000, and Head of Peninsula School of Art from 1995 to 1998. He served as Associate Dean for Graduate Studies from 2006 to 2012, Associate Dean for External Affairs and International from 1998 to 2012, Senior Associate Dean and Deputy Dean from 1998 to 2012, and Vice President of the Monash Academic Board from 2008 to 2010. Additionally, he was a member of the Executive Committee of the Monash Academic Board from 2005 to 2010.

Hoffert's research focuses on art theory, fine art, and Renaissance art, with current projects including dating Renaissance art using the Monash Synchrotron in collaboration with Griffith and Flinders Universities, and developing a theoretical basis for cultural tourism. He has authored eight books, such as Art in Diversity: Studies in the History of Art (1995, co-authored with James Wingate, Laurian Love, Henk Bak, and Adelina Modesti), Towards a More Creative World: Strategies to Maximise Innovation in Culture, Community and the Individual (2011), Perception and Meaning in Hindu Architecture (2010), and Aesthetics and Art Criticism: The Role of Emotion in Art. He has produced over 100 catalogue essays, more than 400 art reviews, and contributions to journals like the Journal of Nanjing Arts Institute. Internationally, Hoffert was World President of the International Association of Art (IAA-UNESCO) from 1992 to 1995, and serves as Honorary President of IAA-UNESCO and its Asia-Pacific Regional Council. His awards include the Caroline Chisholm Award (1989), a Commendation in the Vice Chancellor's Award for Distinguished Teaching (1993), nomination as Monash's sole candidate for the Carrick Institute National Teaching Awards (2006 and 2007), and the Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. He chaired the International Society for Education Through Art World Congress in 2014, served on the Global Advisory Board of Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies at Columbia University, and contributed to UNESCO's World Report on Cultural Diversity (2006). Hoffert is also an accomplished artist with exhibitions in major international events, including the Second Asian Art Symposium in New Delhi and adjuncts to the Sao Paulo and Venice Biennales.