Research Update 2012

Dr Maggie McCormick's research focus is on the relationship between urban consciousness and cultural conceptualisation and how this is evidenced in contemporary art practice. The research forms the basis of publications, presentations, exhibitions and residencies in Australia, Europe and Asia with a current focus on China and Germany.

Current research projects

Skypetrait: transcontinental faces, a research project exploring drawing and portraiture in the public space of Skype to establish new knowledge in relation to identity in an urbanized and digitalized world. The research is undertaken with Professor Henning Eichinger as an inter university project between Art in Public Space, School of Art, RMIT University and Fine Art Conception, School of Textiles & Design, Reutlingen University, Stuttgart Region, Germany and presented in co-operation with the Goethe-Institut Australia. To be exhibited and published in 2013 at the City Library Gallery, Melbourne, Project Space/Spare Room, RMIT University, City Hall, Reutlingen, Stuttgart Region, Germany and produced as a full colour, hard copy publication and on line at ARTE Creative TV (France/Germany) in association with art residencies at Reutlingen University and RMIT University.

Selected recent research publications 2012

‘Urban Practice and the Public Turn’ in Asia Pacific Journal of Arts and Cultural Management, Macneill, K (Ed), Melbourne: The University of Melbourne.

‘AR(chi)Tecture: art, consciousness, architecture’ in Interspaces: Art and Architectural Exchanges from East to West conference proceedings, Marcello, F and White, A (eds), Melbourne: Australian Institute of Art History, The University of Melbourne, 2012.

Forthcoming 2013

‘The Transient City: the City as Urbaness’ in Re-imagining the City: art, globalization and urban space, Grierson, E and Sharp, K (Eds), Bristol, UK: Intellect Books.

Selected recent research conference presentations 2012

‘The Public Turn and Creative Practice’ at Vietnam Digital Design & Creative Industries forum, RMIT University/Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Creative Industries and Innovation, RMIT Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam campus, October 2012.

‘Public Art as Mediator’ at City, Public Art & Ecology forum, Shanghai Expo Center and East China Normal University, Shanghai, China, March 2012.