Digital Darters

Ep 03 - Professor Abigail Harrison Moore (Part 2)

Continuing from the previous episode, Professor Abigail and Dr Roy discuss the nuanced relationship between art, culture, technology, and education. Professor Moore reflects on the transformative power of interdisciplinary studies and the importance of integrating personal experiences into academic pursuits. She advocates for an educational approach that encourages curiosity, experimentation, and resilience in the face of failure.
The conversation also explores the sociotechnical nature of energy, particularly the overlooked social aspects and the gendered history of energy in domestic spaces. Professor Moore's project, "Empowering Women: Co-producing Histories of Women and Energy in the Home," aims to uncover the untold stories of women's interactions with energy transitions and their implications for contemporary energy challenges. The discussion highlights the importance of creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to question the status quo as essential skills for future generations.
School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies | University of Leeds

Ep 03 - Professor Abigail Harrison Moore (Part 1)

Professor Abigail Harrison Moore discusses her personal and professional journey, emphasising the transformative power of education and art history. She reflects on her experiences as a middle-class woman in academia, her 30-year tenure at the University of Leeds, and her unexpected path into art history after initially studying English.
She shares her involvement in community-based projects, particularly those that integrate art history with practical applications. These initiatives aim to make art history accessible and relevant, especially to those from underprivileged backgrounds. She underscores the significance of visual learning and the impact of art history in various settings, including high-security prisons, demonstrating its capacity to provide freedom and value through creative expression and critical thinking.
The conversation explores the intersection of art, culture, and education, and their collective role in challenging and changing perceptions. They discuss the need for education to provide hope and act as a humanistic endeavour, particularly for those from less privileged backgrounds. The episode is a testament to the belief that education, especially in the arts and humanities, produces creative thinkers who can question the status quo and push the boundaries of knowledge.
School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies | University of Leeds

Ep 02 - Dr Eva Frojmovic

In the podcast episode, Dr. Eva Frojmovic discusses her transition from traditional art history to a more interdisciplinary approach that incorporates digital resources. She reflects on how digitisation has opened new possibilities for research and education, making art more accessible and allowing for in-depth study without geographical constraints. The conversation also touches on the challenges of ensuring that the digital experience can match the depth of physical interactions with art.
They explore the concept of the 'gendered gaze' in art history and the importance of critical engagement with cultural artifacts. They discuss the need for a shift in the way art is interpreted, moving away from traditional narratives, and embracing a more inclusive approach that considers race, gender, and class. The dialogue emphasises the evolving role of the viewer in the interpretation of art and the transformative impact of digital tools on both scholarly research and public engagement with art history.
School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies | University of Leeds

Ep 01 - Professor Chris Taylor

In this episode of "Digital Darters," Dr. Dibyadyuti Roy engages in a thoughtful conversation with Professor Chris Taylor, who shares insights from his journey in fine art practice and the evolution of his teaching practices at the University of Leeds. They discuss the impact of digital technologies on art education, the shift towards multimedia in student projects, and the integration of digital tools in teaching methodologies.
Professor Taylor emphasises the importance of learning one's craft, taking risks, and stepping out of comfort zones. He highlights the potential of augmented reality (AR) in redefining storytelling and narrative within the book format, illustrating the dynamic nature of art practice and the necessity for continuous innovation.
School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies | University of Leeds