Julia Kershaw

Why FSU?

I chose FSU because it is a R1 institution with a strong Department of Art History. I study modern and contemporary art, and the faculty have impressive backgrounds in those areas.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

My subject is very interdisciplinary. When you examine a work of art, it is not just the aesthetics that matters, but the context behind it as well. This context can include politics, issues of gender, and language, among others. I like to think of works of art as historical moments. Throughout the COVID pandemic I also noticed that many people found happiness in the arts, whether that be through watching movies, making music, or painting and sculpting. I think that speaks to the vitality and relevance of the arts. Art can be found everywhere, and it has been that way for centuries.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My research area is modern and contemporary art and architecture of Brazil. Throughout the dissertation process, I have found that art can change the way we think about the world and can be a form of expression. For example, my research intersects with activism through the context of Brazil's dictatorship (1964–1985). During this time, art became an outlet to confront political systems. In my research, I also examine connections between feminism, domesticity, and architecture at the mid-century. Through such intersections, I continue to emphasize the role of women as architects.

Career aspirations

My goal is to be a professor of art history. College years have the ability to shape the future of young people, and I would like to play a role in that process of learning and growth. Attending college can come at such an exciting time for many when the decisions they make can impact the trajectory of their lives.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

While it is important to pick a school based on your fit with the respective university, be sure to also think about location and standards of living. Academic life is just one portion of your life as a graduate student.

Accomplishments during your graduate career

Since starting the PhD program in 2018, I have had many opportunities to travel internationally. I lived in Florence, Italy, as an adjunct instructor for FSU's International Programs and presented my research abroad in São Paulo, Amsterdam, and London. I think being exposed to new perspectives is an important part of being an academic and instructor because it enhances your critical thinking skills and ability to engage in a multitude of contexts. These international experiences were made possible by the support of the Department of Art History and the College of Fine Arts. In 2022, I won a Fulbright Study/Research Award to conduct dissertation research in Brazil.