Rate Professor Claire Roberts

Professional Summary: Professor Claire Roberts

Professor Claire Roberts is a distinguished academic at the University of Melbourne, recognized for her expertise in art history, with a particular focus on Chinese art and visual culture. Her work bridges historical and contemporary perspectives, contributing significantly to the understanding of transnational artistic exchanges and curatorial practices.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Roberts holds advanced degrees in art history and Asian studies. She completed her PhD at the Australian National University (ANU), where her research focused on Chinese art and cultural history. Her academic training has equipped her with a deep understanding of both historical archives and modern curatorial methodologies.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Claire Roberts specializes in:

• Modern and contemporary Chinese art
• Photography and visual culture in China
• Transnational artistic networks and cultural exchange
• Curatorial studies and museum practices

Her research often explores the intersection of art, identity, and globalization, with a focus on how historical narratives shape contemporary artistic expressions.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Roberts has held numerous prestigious positions throughout her career, including:

• Professor of Art History, School of Culture and Communication, University of Melbourne
• Senior Curator of Asian Arts, Powerhouse Museum, Sydney (prior to her current academic role)
• Research fellowships and visiting professorships at institutions such as the Australian National University and international universities

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Her contributions to the field have been recognized through various accolades, including:

• Australian Research Council (ARC) grants for projects on Chinese visual culture
• Fellowships from prestigious institutions supporting her research on transnational art histories

Key Publications

Professor Roberts has authored and edited several influential works, including:

• Photography and China (2012) - A seminal book exploring the history and impact of photography in China
• Friendship in Art: Fou Lei and Huang Binhong (2010) - A detailed study of artistic and intellectual exchanges in 20th-century China
• Numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on Chinese art, photography, and curatorial practices in journals such as Art History and Journal of Visual Communication

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Claire Roberts has made a profound impact on the study of Chinese art and visual culture, particularly through her interdisciplinary approach that combines archival research with contemporary analysis. Her curatorial work has shaped public understanding of Asian art in Australia and beyond, while her publications are widely cited in art history and cultural studies. Her contributions have helped establish stronger academic and cultural ties between Australia and China in the field of visual arts.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Roberts is actively involved in the academic community through:

• Delivering keynote lectures and public talks at international conferences and museums on topics related to Chinese art and photography
• Serving on editorial boards for journals focused on art history and Asian studies
• Contributing to exhibition catalogs and curatorial projects that promote cross-cultural dialogue