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Faculty

Dr. Elina Koppel

Professor of Transmedia Art and Critical Ecologies

Department of Interdisciplinary Art Practices

Biography & Academic Journey

Dr. Elina Koppel is a leading figure in European transmedia art, with a profound focus on ecological narratives and participatory practices. Born in Tallinn, Estonia, her early artistic inclinations were shaped by the rich cultural heritage and the dynamic socio-political landscape of the Baltics. She pursued her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture at the Estonian Academy of Arts (graduated 1998), where she began exploring the intersections of natural materials and digital intervention. A strong advocate for cross-cultural artistic dialogue, Dr. Koppel then moved to the Netherlands, earning her Master of Fine Arts in Interactive Media from the ArtEZ University of the Arts in Enschede (2001). Her doctoral research, completed at Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture in Helsinki (PhD, 2007), critically examined the role of art in fostering environmental consciousness in post-industrial societies.  

Before joining the European Ivy Academy of Art, Dr. Koppel held academic positions at the Malmö Art Academy, Sweden, as a Senior Lecturer (2008-2015) and was a Visiting Research Fellow at the Slade School of Fine Art, London (2016). Her artistic practice often involves large-scale installations that integrate bio-art, augmented reality, and community engagement, challenging viewers to reconsider their relationship with the natural world. Dr. Koppel’s pedagogical approach emphasizes critical inquiry, experimental methodologies, and the ethical responsibilities of the artist in an era of ecological crisis. She believes in nurturing artists who are not only skilled practitioners but also thoughtful provocateurs capable of catalysing societal change. Her work has been instrumental in defining new avenues for art that is both technologically innovative and deeply rooted in ecological ethics. The ease of movement for EU citizens facilitated her diverse educational and professional journey across multiple European nations, enriching her artistic and academic perspectives before she brought her expertise to Lyon.  

Areas of Specialization & Research Interests

  • Bio-Art and Ecological Systems
  • Augmented Reality and Immersive Storytelling
  • Participatory Art and Social Engagement
  • Post-Industrial Landscapes in Contemporary Art
  • Sustainable Art Practices and Material Ethics

Selected Publications & Creative Works

  • Books/Monographs:
    • Eco-Visionaries: Art, Technology, and the Future of Nature. Aura Books, Berlin, 2019. ISBN: 978-3-900000-017-5.
    • The Algorithmic Garden: Transmedia Narratives in Ecological Art. European Ivy Academy Press, 2023. ISBN: 978-2-912345-001-2.
  • Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles:
    • “Beyond the White Cube: Participatory Bio-Art as Environmental Activism.” European Journal of Sustainable Art Practice, 7(2), 2020, pp. 45-62. ISSN: 2051-997X.
    • “Haunted Landscapes: AR Interventions in Post-Industrial Sites.” Journal of Digital Performance Research, 4(1), 2017, pp. 112-130. ISSN: 1887-5541.
  • Book Chapters:
    • “The Sentient Forest: Weaving Indigenous Knowledge with Bio-Art.” In Art and the Anthropocene: Dialogues Across Disciplines, edited by Dr. Liam Svennson and Dr. Anja Weber, pp. 88-105. Sternberg Press, 2021. ISBN: 978-3-95679-580-3.  
  • Major Exhibitions (Solo):
    • Symbiont Structures, Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, Helsinki, 2018.
    • Rewilding Code, ZKM Center for Art and Media, Karlsruhe, 2022.
  • Major Exhibitions (Group):
    • Ars Electronica Festival, Linz, 2019.
    • ECOS: European Triennial for Art and Ecology (Fictional), Lyon, 2024.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Estonian National Prize for Innovation in Arts, 2020.
  • Prix Ars Electronica – Award of Distinction (Interactive Art+), 2019.

Dr. Matej Horvat

Associate Professor of Contemporary Painting and Material Studies

Department of Painting and Drawing

Biography & Academic Journey

Dr. Matej Horvat, a native of Ljubljana, Slovenia, is a dynamic painter and scholar whose work interrogates the evolving language of painting in the 21st century. His practice is characterized by a rigorous exploration of materiality, often incorporating unconventional substances alongside traditional pigments to challenge the conventions of the painted surface. Dr. Horvat completed his BFA with honors at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design, University of Ljubljana (2005), where his early work already demonstrated a keen interest in the historical underpinnings of abstract expressionism. He then pursued an MA in Fine Art at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London (2008), focusing on the philosophical implications of paint as a medium. His doctoral studies at the Universität der Künste Berlin (PhD, 2014) culminated in a dissertation titled “The Alchemical Canvas: Material Transformation in Post-War European Painting.”

Prior to his appointment at the European Ivy Academy of Art, Dr. Horvat was a Lecturer in Fine Art at the Bath Spa University, UK (2015-2019) and an artist-in-residence at the prestigious Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten in Amsterdam (2014-2015). His paintings, often large-scale and texturally rich, have been exhibited extensively across Europe, noted for their visceral impact and intellectual depth. Dr. Horvat’s research delves into the historical and contemporary uses of pigments, binders, and supports, and he is a vocal advocate for sustainable studio practices. His pedagogical approach encourages students to develop a critical understanding of painting’s history while fostering bold experimentation and individual voice. He champions a studio environment where rigorous technical skill development is coupled with conceptual exploration, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to the contemporary art discourse. His Slovenian origin and subsequent education and career in other EU countries exemplify the fluid movement of talent within the European academic and artistic sphere.  

Areas of Specialization & Research Interests

  • Post-Abstract Expressionism and Neo-Materialism
  • Historical Painting Techniques and Contemporary Application
  • Sustainable Studio Practices in Painting
  • The Philosophy of Materiality in Art
  • Expanded Painting and Installation

Selected Publications & Creative Works

  • Books/Monographs:
    • Resonant Surfaces: Matter and Meaning in Contemporary Painting. Chroma Editions, Rome, 2020. ISBN: 978-88-80000-115-9.
  • Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles:
    • “Beyond the Brush: Reclaiming Alchemy in the Painter’s Studio.” Journal of Contemporary Painting Studies, 5(1), 2018, pp. 33-50. ISSN: 2349-7781.
    • “The Sustainable Palette: Non-Toxic Pigments and Practices for the 21st-Century Painter.” Art & Environment Quarterly, 3(4), 2022, pp. 78-94. ISSN: 2501-446X.
  • Book Chapters:
    • “Slovenian Vanguard: Painting After Independence.” In New European Art: National Identities in a Global Context, edited by Dr. Isabella Moreau, pp. 150-167. Academie Européenne Éditions, 2019. ISBN: 978-2-777888-021-7.
  • Major Exhibitions (Solo):
    • Terra Firma, Galerija Škuc, Ljubljana, 2019.
    • Substance and Shadow, Annely Juda Fine Art, London , 2023.  
  • Major Exhibitions (Group):
    • Prague Biennale (Fictional Section: New European Abstraction), Prague, 2021.
    • Material Witness, MAMOTH, London , 2024.  

Awards and Recognitions

  • Prešeren Fund Award (Slovenian National Arts Award), 2021.
  • Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant, 2017.

Professor Laima Kazlauskas

Professor of Art History and Curatorial Studies

Centre for Critical Art Studies and Curatorial Practice

Biography & Academic Journey

Professor Laima Kazlauskas is a distinguished Lithuanian art historian and curator, recognized for her incisive research into Eastern European avant-gardes and contemporary curatorial ethics. Her academic journey began with a BA in Art History from Vilnius University (1995), followed by an MA in Museum Studies from the University of Leicester, UK (1998). Deeply committed to understanding the socio-political contexts of art, Professor Kazlauskas earned her PhD from the Courtauld Institute of Art, London (2003), with a groundbreaking dissertation on the intersection of Fluxus movements in Lithuania and their Western counterparts.

Professor Kazlauskas has held significant curatorial and academic roles, including Senior Curator of Contemporary Collections at the National Gallery of Art in Vilnius (2004-2012) and Associate Professor of Art History at the Central European University, then in Budapest (2013-2019). Her curatorial projects are noted for their critical engagement with historical narratives and their innovative presentation strategies. She has curated major exhibitions for institutions such as the Zachęta National Gallery of Art in Warsaw and the Ludwig Museum in Budapest. Professor Kazlauskas’s scholarship often addresses issues of cultural memory, the role of archives in constructing art historical narratives, and the ethics of exhibiting challenging or contested artworks. At the European Ivy Academy of Art, she champions a curatorial pedagogy that combines rigorous historical research with practical experience, encouraging students to think critically about the responsibilities of the curator in shaping public understanding of art. Her extensive network across European museums and academic institutions, facilitated by EU mobility , provides invaluable opportunities for students.  

Areas of Specialization & Research Interests

  • 20th Century Eastern European Avant-Gardes
  • Contemporary Curatorial Theory and Practice
  • Art and Politics in Post-Soviet States
  • Feminist Art History and De-colonial Methodologies
  • Museum Ethics and Collection Management

Selected Publications & Creative Works

  • Books/Monographs:
    • Re-Scripting the Avant-Garde: Lithuanian Art and the Fluxus Legacy. Vilnius Academy of Arts Press, 2010. ISBN: 978-9955-854-77-2.
    • The Curator’s Conscience: Ethics in Contemporary Exhibition-Making. European Ivy Academy Press, 2022. ISBN: 978-2-912345-002-9.
  • Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles:
    • “The Archive as Battleground: Contested Histories in Post-Socialist Museums.” Journal of Museum Studies International, 12(3), 2017, pp. 210-228. ISSN: 1755-1828.
    • “Beyond Representation: Curating Affect in Contemporary Art.” Curatorial Theory Now, 6(1), 2020, pp. 5-21. ISSN: 2456-9910.
  • Exhibition Catalogues (as author/curator):
    • “Mapping Dissent: Artistic Resistance in 1970s Lithuania.” In Echoes of Resistance: Art from the Baltics Under Soviet Rule. Tate Modern Publishing, 2015. ISBN: 978-1-84976-350-1.
    • Unfolding Narratives: Contemporary Women Artists from Eastern Europe. National Gallery of Art, Vilnius, 2018. ISBN: 978-609-8002-91-5.
  • Major Curated Exhibitions:
    • Fluxus East: The Unofficial Networks, Zachęta National Gallery of Art, Warsaw, 2012.
    • Future Histories: Reimagining the Collection, Ludwig Museum, Budapest, 2019.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Lithuanian National Prize for Culture and Arts, 2016.
  • Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (France), 2023.

Dr. Ivo Berzins

Senior Lecturer in Digital Animation and Narrative Systems

Studio for Digital and Algorithmic Art

Biography & Academic Journey

Dr. Ivo Berzins is an innovative Latvian animator and researcher specializing in the convergence of digital animation, interactive narrative, and emerging technologies. His work often explores themes of folklore, artificial intelligence, and the evolving nature of storytelling in the digital age. Dr. Berzins earned his Bachelor of Arts in Audiovisual Media from the Art Academy of Latvia in Riga (2008), where he first began experimenting with 3D animation and game engines. He subsequently completed a Master of Science in Creative Technologies at the University of Salford, UK (2011), focusing on procedural animation techniques. His PhD, awarded by the IT University of Copenhagen (2017), investigated the potential of AI-driven character behavior in interactive animated narratives.

Before joining the European Ivy Academy of Art, Dr. Berzins worked as a lead animator for several award-winning independent game studios in Scandinavia and taught courses in animation and game design at the Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen (2018-2022). His creative projects, which include short animated films and interactive installations, have been featured at international festivals such as Annecy International Animation Film Festival and SIGGRAPH. Dr. Berzins is passionate about fostering a new generation of animators who are not only technically proficient but also critically aware of the cultural impact of their work. His pedagogical approach integrates hands-on studio practice with theoretical exploration, encouraging students to push the boundaries of animated storytelling. He emphasizes collaborative projects and industry engagement, preparing students for the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of digital animation. His Latvian background, combined with his studies and work experiences in the UK, Denmark, and the Netherlands, underscores the value of intra-EU mobility in fostering specialized talent.  

Areas of Specialization & Research Interests

  • 3D Character Animation and Performance
  • Interactive Narrative and Non-Linear Storytelling
  • AI and Machine Learning in Animation
  • Procedural Generation for Animation and Virtual Worlds
  • Baltic Folklore and Digital Mythologies

Selected Publications & Creative Works

  • Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles:
    • “The Algorithmic Actor: AI-Driven Characters in Interactive Animation.” Animation: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 15(2), 2020, pp. 189-205. ISSN: 1746-8477.
    • “Reimagining Lāčplēsis: Digital Animation and the Latvian Epic.” Journal of Baltic Animation Studies (Fictional), 3(1), 2022, pp. 65-82. ISSN: 2771-1234.
  • Conference Proceedings (Peer-Reviewed):
    • “Procedural Storyworlds: Generative Systems for Animated Narratives.” Proceedings of the International Conference on Interactive Digital Storytelling (ICIDS), 2019, pp. 123-135. ISBN: 978-3-030-33343-0.
  • Animated Short Films (Director):
    • The Mechanical Nightingale, (12 min), 2018. (Festivals: Annecy, Ottawa International Animation Festival).
    • Forest Algorithm, (8 min), 2021. (Festivals: SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival, Animafest Zagreb).
  • Interactive Installations:
    • Myth Weaver AI, Riga International Biennial of Contemporary Art (RIBOCA), 2023.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Latvian National Film Award “Lielais Kristaps” for Best Animated Film, 2019.
  • Adobe Design Achievement Award – Animation (Student Category), 2011.

Dr. Catarina Almeida

Associate Professor of Photography and Visual Culture

Department of Photography and Lens-Based Media

Biography & Academic Journey

Dr. Catarina Almeida is a Portuguese photographer and scholar whose work critically examines the construction of identity, memory, and place through the photographic image. Her practice often blends documentary approaches with conceptual strategies, exploring the nuances of post-colonial narratives and the politics of representation. Dr. Almeida received her Licenciatura in Fine Arts – Photography from the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Lisbon (2002). She then moved to France to pursue her Diplôme National Supérieur d’Expression Plastique (DNSEP) at the École Nationale Supérieure de la Photographie in Arles (2005). Her doctoral research, completed at Goldsmiths, University of London (PhD, 2012), focused on the photographic archives of Portuguese colonial Africa and their contemporary reinterpretation by artists.

Before her current role, Dr. Almeida was a Lecturer in Photographic Theory at the Universidade de Vigo, Spain (2013-2017) and a Research Fellow at the Hasselblad Foundation in Gothenburg, Sweden (2018). Her photographic projects have been exhibited internationally, including at Rencontres d’Arles, PhotoEspaña, and the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon. She is the author of several influential essays on contemporary photography and visual ethics. Dr. Almeida’s teaching emphasizes a balance between technical mastery, critical thinking, and the development of a unique artistic vision. She encourages students to engage with the social and cultural power of photography, fostering a deep understanding of its history while exploring its future possibilities. Her international education and career path highlight the enriching cross-border collaborations possible within the European Union’s framework for academic and artistic exchange.  

Areas of Specialization & Research Interests

  • Post-Colonial Photography and Visual Archives
  • Documentary Practices and Ethics
  • Theories of Memory and Place in Photography
  • Contemporary Portuguese Photography
  • The Photobook: History and Practice

Selected Publications & Creative Works

  • Books/Monographs:
    • Phantom Geographies: Photography and the Portuguese Colonial Archive. I.B. Tauris (Fictional Imprint), 2017. ISBN: 978-1-78453-992-1.
    • The Unseen Portrait: Identity and Representation in Contemporary Lens-Based Art. Lyon Art Press, 2023. ISBN: 978-2-876543-003-8.
  • Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles:
    • “Reframing the Archive: Artistic Interventions in Colonial Photography.” Photography and Culture, 10(3), 2017, pp. 251-270. ISSN: 1751-4517.
    • “The Ethics of Looking: Documentary Photography in the Age of Digital Saturation.” Journal of Visual Ethics (Fictional), 5(1), 2021, pp. 44-60. ISSN: 2601-330X.
  • Photobooks (Artist):
    • Saudade Nao Tem Traducao (Saudade Has No Translation). Ghost Editions (Fictional), 2019. ISBN: 978-989-54211-5-3.
  • Major Exhibitions (Solo):
    • Vestiges of Empire, Museu Coleção Berardo, Lisbon, 2018.
    • Cartographies of Absence, MEP – Maison Européenne de la Photographie, Paris , 2022.  
  • Major Exhibitions (Group):
    • Rencontres d’Arles, Discovery Award Section, Arles, 2016.
    • New European Photography, FOAM Amsterdam, 2020.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Novo Banco Photo Award (Portugal), 2019.
  • Paul Huf Award Nominee, FOAM Amsterdam, 2020.

Professor Sorin Moga

Professor of Sculpture and Public Art

Department of Sculpture and Spatial Practices

Biography & Academic Journey

Professor Sorin Moga is a highly regarded Romanian sculptor known for his monumental public art installations and his innovative use of traditional and industrial materials. His work often addresses themes of collective memory, urban transformation, and the dialogue between art and architecture. Professor Moga graduated from the National University of Arts Bucharest with a BA in Sculpture (1996) and subsequently an MA in the same field (1998). He further honed his skills through a DAAD scholarship at the Berlin University of the Arts (UdK Berlin), focusing on large-scale metal casting and fabrication techniques (2000-2001). He later completed a Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA) at the University of the Arts Helsinki (2007), where his research explored the integration of sculpture into public spaces in post-communist European cities.  

Professor Moga has an extensive record of international exhibitions and public commissions across Europe and beyond. Before joining the European Ivy Academy of Art, he served as Head of the Sculpture Department at the Cluj School of Art and Design (2008-2016) and was a Visiting Professor at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna (2017-2019). His sculptures are characterized by their ambitious scale, conceptual rigor, and sensitivity to site and context. He is a strong proponent of collaborative projects, often working with architects, urban planners, and local communities. Professor Moga’s pedagogical philosophy centers on developing students’ technical mastery while fostering critical thinking about the social role of sculpture. He emphasizes hands-on experience, from traditional modeling and carving to contemporary digital fabrication processes. His journey from Romania through Germany and Finland to France highlights the dynamic exchange of artistic expertise within the EU.  

Areas of Specialization & Research Interests

  • Monumental Sculpture and Public Art Commissions
  • Material Investigation: Bronze, Steel, Stone, and Recycled Materials
  • Site-Specific Installation and Environmental Art
  • The Social and Political Dimensions of Public Sculpture
  • Digital Fabrication in Sculptural Practice

Selected Publications & Creative Works

  • Books/Monographs:
    • Sculpting the Polis: Public Art in Post-Socialist Urban Landscapes. Jovis Verlag (Fictional Imprint), Berlin, 2015. ISBN: 978-3-86859-330-5.
  • Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles:
    • “The Unstable Monument: Re-thinking Permanence in Contemporary Public Sculpture.” Public Art Dialogue, 8(2), 2018, pp. 176-194. ISSN: 2150-2552.
    • “From Foundry to Forum: The Sculptor’s Role in Urban Dialogue.” European Journal of Spatial Art (Fictional), 4(1), 2021, pp. 30-45. ISSN: 2559-8870.
  • Exhibition Catalogues (as artist/author):
    • “Dialogues in Steel and Stone.” In Sorin Moga: Resonant Forms. MNAC Bucharest (National Museum of Contemporary Art) Publications, 2019. ISBN: 978-606-94530-5-1.
  • Major Public Commissions:
    • The Timișoara Gateway, Timișoara, Romania, 2021 (European Capital of Culture project).
    • River Dialogue, Danube Riverbank Public Art Project, Linz, Austria, 2017.
  • Major Exhibitions (Solo):
    • Urban Echoes, Galeria Plan B, Berlin/Cluj , 2020.  
    • Material Histories, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, UK, 2023.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Romanian Union of Plastic Artists Grand Prize for Sculpture, 2018.
  • International Sculpture Center (ISC) Outstanding Achievement Award, 2022.

Dr. Klara Říha

Senior Lecturer in Graphic Design and Visual Communication

Department of Design and Applied Arts

Biography & Academic Journey

Dr. Klara Říha is a Czech graphic designer and academic whose work focuses on typography, information design, and the social impact of visual communication. Her design practice is characterized by its clarity, conceptual depth, and commitment to user-centered design principles. Dr. Říha completed her Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague (UMPRUM) in 2007. She then pursued a Master of Arts in Communication Design at the Royal College of Art, London (2010), where her research explored the role of design in public service communication. She earned her PhD in Design Studies from the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design Budapest (MOME) in 2016, with a dissertation on the typographic landscapes of Central European cities.

Prior to her role at the European Ivy Academy of Art, Dr. Říha worked as a senior designer for several leading branding agencies in Prague and Berlin. She also taught typography and information design as an Assistant Professor at the Anglo-American University in Prague (2017-2022). Her design projects span branding, editorial design, wayfinding systems, and data visualization, and have received numerous international awards. Dr. Říha is a passionate advocate for design literacy and believes in the power of design to effect positive social change. Her teaching methodology emphasizes a strong foundation in typographic principles, critical thinking about design ethics, and collaborative, real-world projects. She encourages students to become versatile communicators who can navigate the complexities of contemporary visual culture. Her academic and professional journey across the Czech Republic, UK, Hungary, and Germany, before settling in France, reflects the vibrant cross-pollination of design talent within the EU.  

Areas of Specialization & Research Interests

  • Typography and Typographic Systems
  • Information Design and Data Visualization
  • Branding and Visual Identity Systems
  • Social Design and Design for Public Good
  • History of Central European Graphic Design

Selected Publications & Creative Works

  • Books (as author/designer):
    • Prague Type: A Visual History of Urban Letterforms. UMPRUM Press, 2018. ISBN: 978-80-87989-45-2.
  • Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles:
    • “The Empathetic Interface: Designing Information for Inclusivity.” Visible Language, 54(2), 2020, pp. 112-130. ISSN: 0022-2224.
    • “Wayfinding the City: Typographic Strategies in Urban Navigation Systems.” Journal of Design Research, 19(3-4), 2021, pp. 287-301. ISSN: 1748-3050.
  • Book Chapters:
    • “Czech Modernism in Print: The Interwar Graphic Design Scene.” In European Design Histories, edited by Dr. Erik Janssen and Dr. Sofia Rossi, pp. 220-238. Bloomsbury Visual Arts (Fictional Imprint), 2022. ISBN: 978-1-350-12222-9.
  • Major Design Projects (Selected):
    • Rebranding and Visual Identity for the National Technical Museum, Prague, 2019.
    • Wayfinding System for the Prague Metro Expansion, 2021.
  • Exhibitions (Curated/Featured):
    • Brno Biennial of Graphic Design, Czech Republic (Featured Designer), 2018.
    • Design for Good: European Social Design Now, Design Museum Brussels (Curatorial Contributor), 2023.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Czech Grand Design Award – Graphic Designer of the Year, 2020.
  • European Design Award – Gold (Information Design), 2021.

Dr. Andreas Paphitis

Associate Professor of Art Theory and Aesthetics

Centre for Critical Art Studies and Curatorial Practice

Biography & Academic Journey

Dr. Andreas Paphitis is a Cypriot art theorist and philosopher whose research explores the intersections of contemporary aesthetics, political theory, and Mediterranean cultural studies. His work is known for its rigorous engagement with post-structuralist thought and its nuanced analysis of art’s role in shaping public discourse and cultural identity. Dr. Paphitis earned his BA in Philosophy from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (2000), followed by an MA in Aesthetics and Art Theory from the University of Essex, UK (2002). He received his PhD from the European Graduate School (EGS) in Saas-Fee, Switzerland (2008), where his dissertation examined the concept of “the event” in contemporary art and its political implications, drawing on the work of thinkers like Alain Badiou and Jacques Rancière.

Before joining the European Ivy Academy of Art, Dr. Paphitis was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Jan van Eyck Academie in Maastricht (2009-2010) and subsequently taught art theory and philosophy at the Cyprus University of Technology (2011-2018), eventually becoming an Assistant Professor. He has published extensively in leading academic journals and is a frequent speaker at international conferences on art theory and cultural studies. Dr. Paphitis’s pedagogical approach is centered on fostering critical thinking and encouraging students to engage deeply with complex theoretical texts. He aims to equip artists and curators with the conceptual tools necessary to articulate their own positions within contemporary debates and to understand the broader intellectual currents shaping the art world. His Cypriot heritage and his academic experiences across Greece, the UK, Switzerland, and the Netherlands reflect a rich, transnational European intellectual journey.  

Areas of Specialization & Research Interests

  • Contemporary French Philosophy and Aesthetics
  • Art and Political Theory (Post-Structuralism, Deconstruction)
  • Mediterranean Studies and Postcolonial Art
  • Theories of the Image and Visuality
  • Performance Philosophy and Embodiment

Selected Publications & Creative Works

  • Books/Monographs:
    • Art After the Event: Aesthetics, Politics, and the Unforeseen. Edinburgh University Press (Fictional Imprint), 2016. ISBN: 978-0-7486-9912-3.
    • The Mediterranean Complex: Art, Identity, and the Sea of Contradictions. Academie Européenne Éditions, 2022. ISBN: 978-2-777888-033-1.
  • Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles:
    • “Rancière’s Partage du Sensible: Art and the Reconfiguration of the Common.” Contemporary Aesthetics, Vol. 15, 2017, Article 5. ISSN: 1932-8478.
    • “The Haptic Gaze: Visuality and Embodiment in Mediterranean Video Art.” Third Text, 34(2), 2020, pp. 189-205. ISSN: 0952-8822.
  • Book Chapters:
    • “Cyprus in/and the Postcolonial Imaginary: Artistic Responses to a Divided Island.” In Islands of Art, Islands of Conflict, edited by Dr. Elena Georgiou and Dr. Marco Bianchi, pp. 75-92. Routledge (Fictional Imprint), 2019. ISBN: 978-0-367-18899-0.
  • Keynote Lectures (Selected):
    • “The Politics of the Image in an Age of Crisis,” International Association for Aesthetics Congress, Seoul, 2019.
    • “De-colonizing Aesthetics: Mediterranean Perspectives,” College Art Association Annual Conference, New York, 2022.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Cyprus State Prize for Letters (Essay/Study), 2017.
  • Terra Foundation for American Art International Research Grant, 2020.

Dr. Zofia Kowalski

Professor of Fiber Arts and Socially Engaged Craft

Department of Textiles and Material Culture

Biography & Academic Journey

Dr. Zofia Kowalski is a Polish artist and scholar renowned for her innovative work in contemporary fiber arts and her commitment to socially engaged craft practices. Her artistic output often involves large-scale textile installations and collaborative community projects that explore themes of labor, gender, and cultural heritage. Dr. Kowalski received her MFA from the Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Art and Design in Wrocław, Poland (1999), specializing in Textile Art. She then pursued doctoral studies at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, Austria, earning her PhD in 2005 with a dissertation on the revival of traditional weaving techniques in contemporary art.

Dr. Kowalski has an extensive international exhibition record and has led numerous community-based art projects across Europe. Before her appointment at the European Ivy Academy of Art, she was a Professor of Textile Arts at the Strzemiński Academy of Fine Arts Łódź (2006-2017) and a Fulbright Scholar at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, USA (2012-2013). Her work is held in major public and private collections, including the Central Museum of Textiles in Łódź and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Dr. Kowalski’s pedagogical approach emphasizes the integration of conceptual rigor with technical mastery in fiber arts. She encourages students to explore the rich history of textiles while pushing the boundaries of the medium, and to consider the social and political implications of their creative practice. Her Polish roots and her academic and artistic engagements in Austria, the USA, and now France, demonstrate a career enriched by international dialogue and the EU’s open environment for scholars and artists. The surname “Kowalski,” meaning blacksmith , subtly echoes her hands-on, material-focused artistic approach, transforming raw fibers into powerful statements.  

Areas of Specialization & Research Interests

  • Contemporary Weaving and Textile Installation
  • Socially Engaged Art and Community Craft Projects
  • Feminist Perspectives in Fiber Art
  • Material Culture and the Anthropology of Textiles
  • Sustainable and Ethical Textile Practices

Selected Publications & Creative Works

  • Books/Monographs:
    • The Social Fabric: Textiles, Labor, and Collective Identity. University of Chicago Press (Fictional Imprint), 2018. ISBN: 978-0-226-71123-4.
  • Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles:
    • “Weaving Dissent: Textile Art as Political Protest in Post-War Poland.” Textile: Cloth and Culture, 15(3), 2017, pp. 298-315. ISSN: 1475-9756.
    • “The Community Quilt: Stitching Together Narratives of Resistance and Resilience.” Journal of Modern Craft, 12(1), 2019, pp. 45-62. ISSN: 1749-6772.
  • Exhibition Catalogues (as artist/author):
    • “Threads of Memory, Threads of Change.” In Zofia Kowalski: Tangible Histories. Zachęta – National Gallery of Art, Warsaw, 2020. ISBN: 978-83-64714-88-9.
  • Major Exhibitions (Solo):
    • Common Thread, Central Museum of Textiles, Łódź, Poland, 2017.
    • Interwoven Lives, TextielMuseum, Tilburg, Netherlands, 2022.
  • Major Community Projects:
    • The Lyon Tapestry Project, Collaborative community weaving, Lyon, France, ongoing since 2023.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Gloria Artis Gold Medal for Merit to Culture (Poland), 2021.
  • Anonymous Was A Woman Award, 2019.

Dr. Miklós Antal

Senior Lecturer in Illustration and Sequential Art

Department of Illustration and Visual Narrative

Biography & Academic Journey

Dr. Miklós Antal is a Hungarian illustrator, comic artist, and researcher whose work is celebrated for its distinctive visual style, narrative depth, and exploration of Central European folklore and history. He often employs a blend of traditional drawing techniques with digital coloring and composition. Dr. Antal earned his MA in Graphic Design from the Hungarian University of Fine Arts in Budapest (2006), where he specialized in illustration and book art. Driven by an interest in the theoretical underpinnings of sequential art, he pursued a PhD at the University of Dundee, Scotland, at the Scottish Centre for Comics Studies (2012). His doctoral thesis examined the representation of historical trauma in contemporary European graphic novels.

Before joining the European Ivy Academy of Art, Dr. Antal worked as a freelance illustrator for numerous international publishers and magazines, and taught illustration and comics at the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design Budapest (MOME) as an Assistant Professor (2013-2020). His graphic novels have been translated into several languages and have received critical acclaim for their artistic merit and compelling storytelling. Dr. Antal is dedicated to mentoring emerging illustrators and comic artists, fostering both their technical skills and their unique narrative voices. His teaching emphasizes the importance of visual research, character development, and the effective use of visual language to convey complex ideas and emotions. His Hungarian background, combined with his studies in Scotland and extensive professional network across Europe, facilitated by the ease of movement within the EU , brings a rich, multicultural perspective to his teaching in Lyon.  

Areas of Specialization & Research Interests

  • Graphic Novels and Long-Form Comics
  • Children’s Book Illustration
  • Narrative Illustration and Visual Storytelling
  • Central European Folklore and Mythology in Art
  • History of European Comics and Illustration

Selected Publications & Creative Works

  • Graphic Novels (Author/Artist):
    • The Whispering Woods: A Hungarian Folktale. Drawn & Quarterly (Fictional Imprint), 2017. ISBN: 978-1-77046-288-1.
    • Budapest Nocturne: A Tale of the 1956 Uprising. SelfMadeHero (Fictional Imprint), 2020. ISBN: 978-1-910593-77-3.
  • Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles:
    • “Drawing the Past: Visual Strategies for Representing Historical Trauma in Comics.” Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics, 9(4), 2018, pp. 340-355. ISSN: 2150-4857.
  • Book Chapters:
    • “The Magyar Line: A Century of Hungarian Comic Art.” In Comics Beyond Borders: European Traditions and Influences, edited by Dr. Jean Dupont and Dr. Maria Schmidt, pp. 112-130. University Press of Mississippi (Fictional Imprint), 2021. ISBN: 978-1-4968-3333-0.
  • Illustrated Books (Selected):
    • Tales from the Danube, by Elena Popescu. Enchanted Lion Books (Fictional Imprint), 2019.
  • Exhibitions of Original Artwork:
    • Miklós Antal: Storyteller, Angoulême International Comics Festival (Solo Show), France, 2021.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Lucca Comics & Games – Best European Graphic Novel Award, 2021.
  • Hungarian National Illustration Prize, 2018.

Dr. Aoife O’Connell

Associate Professor of Performance Art and Embodied Practice

Department of Performance and Time-Based Media

Biography & Academic Journey

Dr. Aoife O’Connell is an Irish performance artist and scholar whose work explores themes of identity, duration, and the politics of the body in public space. Her performances are often characterized by their durational intensity and their critical engagement with social and cultural norms. Dr. O’Connell received her BA in Fine Art (Sculpture & Combined Media) from the Limerick School of Art and Design, TUS (2003). She then pursued an MA in Performance Making at Goldsmiths, University of London (2006). Her PhD, completed at the Burren College of Art, National University of Ireland, Galway (2013), investigated the legacy of feminist performance art and its impact on contemporary embodied practices.  

Before her current position, Dr. O’Connell was a Lecturer in Performance Studies at the Dublin Institute of Technology (now TU Dublin) (2014-2019) and has performed extensively at international festivals and galleries, including SPILL Festival of Performance (London), Live Action (Gothenburg), and the Venice International Performance Art Week. Her research focuses on theories of performativity, liveness, and the ethical considerations of audience engagement in participatory performance. Dr. O’Connell is committed to a pedagogy that fosters critical self-reflection, rigorous physical and conceptual training, and an understanding of performance art’s radical histories. She encourages students to develop challenging and innovative work that pushes the boundaries of the medium. Her Irish identity and extensive work throughout the EU, including her current role in Lyon, are testament to the open pathways for artists and academics within the European community.  

Areas of Specialization & Research Interests

  • Durational Performance and Endurance Art
  • Feminist Performance Art and Queer Performativity
  • Site-Specific and Public Space Interventions
  • Theories of Liveness and Presence in Performance
  • Ethics of Participatory and Socially Engaged Performance

Selected Publications & Creative Works

  • Books/Monographs:
    • The Enduring Body: Time, Politics, and Performance. Routledge (Performance Philosophy Series – Fictional), 2019. ISBN: 978-0-367-00111-4.
  • Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles:
    • “Performing Precariousness: The Body as Site of Resistance in Contemporary Irish Art.” Performance Research, 23(4-5), 2018, pp. 112-119. ISSN: 1352-8165.
    • “The Ethics of Encounter: Audience Participation and Responsibility in Live Art.” TDR: The Drama Review, 64(2), 2020, pp. 78-93. ISSN: 1054-2043.
  • Performances (Selected):
    • Still Standing (72-hour durational performance), SPILL Festival of Performance, London, 2017.
    • Public Record (site-specific intervention series), Dublin, Belfast, Cork, 2019-2021.
    • The Listener, Venice International Performance Art Week, Venice, 2022.
  • Exhibition Catalogues (as artist/author):
    • “Notes on Liveness.” In Live/Work: Contemporary Irish Performance Art. Irish Museum of Modern Art Publications, 2021. ISBN: 978-1-909792-25-0.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Arts Council of Ireland – Bursary Award for Performance Art, multiple years.
  • Live Art Development Agency (LADA) Legacy Artist Award (Fictional), 2023.

Dr. Jānis Abolins

Professor of Sound Art and Auditory Culture

Department of New Media and Sonic Arts

Biography & Academic Journey

Dr. Jānis Abolins is a pioneering Latvian sound artist and researcher whose work explores the intersections of sound, space, technology, and perception. His installations and compositions often utilize field recordings, generative algorithms, and custom-built electronic instruments to create immersive auditory experiences. Dr. Abolins completed his Bachelor’s degree in Composition at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music in Riga (1997). He then pursued a Master’s degree in Sonology at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, Netherlands (2000), a leading center for electronic music and sound research. His PhD, awarded by the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz, Austria (2006), focused on spatial sound composition and its psychoacoustic effects.

Before his tenure at the European Ivy Academy of Art, Dr. Abolins was a guest professor at the Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki (2007-2010) and later a Professor of Sound Studies at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (2011-2019). His works have been presented at major international sound art festivals and contemporary music venues, including CTM Festival (Berlin), TodaysArt (The Hague), and IRCAM (Paris). Dr. Abolins is deeply interested in the ecological aspects of sound and the concept of the “soundscape.” His pedagogical approach combines rigorous technical training in audio technologies with critical listening skills and conceptual development, encouraging students to explore sound as a primary artistic medium. His Latvian origins, coupled with his extensive education and career across the Netherlands, Austria, Finland, and Estonia before arriving in France, exemplify the rich potential for specialized artistic and academic careers within the EU.  

Areas of Specialization & Research Interests

  • Spatial Sound Composition and Immersive Audio
  • Field Recording and Acoustic Ecology
  • Generative Sound Systems and Algorithmic Composition
  • Interactive Sound Installation
  • History and Theory of Electronic Music

Selected Publications & Creative Works

  • Books/Monographs:
    • Sonic Architectures: Sound, Space, and Experience. Errant Bodies Press (Fictional Imprint), Berlin, 2018. ISBN: 978-0-9978744-9-1.
  • Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles:
    • “The Politics of Listening: Soundscape Composition as Critical Practice.” Organised Sound, 22(2), 2017, pp. 287-296. ISSN: 1355-7718.
    • “Generative Ecologies: Algorithmic Approaches to Natural Sound Environments.” Leonardo Music Journal, Vol. 30, 2020, pp. 45-51. ISSN: 0961-1215.
  • Sound Installations (Selected):
    • Baltic Echoes, Kumu Art Museum, Tallinn, Estonia, 2016.
    • Resonant City, CTM Festival, Berlin, Germany, 2019.
    • Acoustic Cartographies: Lyon, Fête des Lumières (Sound Installation Section – Fictional), Lyon, 2023.
  • Compositions (CD/Digital Release):
    • Nocturnes for Abandoned Structures. Latvian Music Information Centre, 2021. LMIC099.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Latvian Great Music Award for Outstanding Achievement in New Music, 2017.
  • Karl Sczuka Prize for Radio Art (Honorary Mention), SWR, Germany, 2020.

Dr. Elena Hadjipanayis

Senior Lecturer in Art History (Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Art)

Department of Art History and Visual Studies

Biography & Academic Journey

Dr. Elena Hadjipanayis is a Greek Cypriot art historian specializing in Byzantine and Post-Byzantine art, with a particular focus on manuscript illumination, iconography, and the cultural exchange between the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Europe. Her research often uncovers overlooked artistic connections and challenges traditional narratives of artistic influence. Dr. Hadjipanayis earned her BA in Archaeology and History of Art from the University of Athens (2004). She continued her studies at the University of Birmingham, UK, obtaining an MA in Byzantine Studies (2006), followed by a PhD from King’s College London (2011). Her doctoral dissertation explored the patronage and iconography of 13th-century Cypriot painted churches.

Before joining the European Ivy Academy of Art, Dr. Hadjipanayis was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection in Washington D.C. (2012-2013) and later taught as an Assistant Professor at the University of Cyprus (2014-2021). She has curated exhibitions focusing on Byzantine heritage and has published widely on the artistic traditions of Cyprus and the broader Byzantine world. Dr. Hadjipanayis is passionate about making the rich history of Byzantine art accessible and relevant to contemporary students. Her teaching emphasizes close visual analysis, engagement with primary sources, and an understanding of the historical, theological, and social contexts of art production. Her deep knowledge of Mediterranean art history, cultivated through studies and work in Greece, the UK, the USA, and Cyprus, brings a unique and valuable perspective to the Academy in Lyon, a journey facilitated by international academic networks and EU mobility.  

Areas of Specialization & Research Interests

  • Byzantine Manuscript Illumination and Icon Painting
  • Art and Patronage in Lusignan and Venetian Cyprus
  • Cultural Exchange between Byzantium and the Latin West
  • Post-Byzantine Art in Greece and the Balkans
  • Conservation and Heritage of Byzantine Monuments

Selected Publications & Creative Works

  • Books/Monographs:
    • Painted Sanctuaries: Art and Devotion in Thirteenth-Century Cyprus. Pennsylvania State University Press (Fictional Imprint), 2017. ISBN: 978-0-271-07788-9.
  • Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles:
    • “The Scribe and the Illuminator: Collaborative Practices in Palaiologan Scriptoria.” Dumbarton Oaks Papers, Vol. 70, 2016, pp. 145-162. ISSN: 0070-7546.
    • “Icons of the Diaspora: Cretan Painters in Venice after 1453.” Journal of the Warburg and Courtauld Institutes, Vol. 83, 2020, pp. 97-125. ISSN: 0075-4390.
  • Book Chapters:
    • “Reflections of the Holy Land: Crusader Art and Architecture in Cyprus.” In Art and Architecture of the Crusades, edited by Dr. Jonathan Riley-Smith Jr., pp. 205-228. Yale University Press (Fictional Imprint), 2019. ISBN: 978-0-300-24001-7.
  • Exhibitions (Curated):
    • Cyprus: Crossroads of Civilizations, Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia, Cyprus, 2018.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Runciman Award (Anglo-Hellenic League) Shortlist, 2018.
  • A.G. Leventis Foundation Research Grant, multiple years.

Professor Luc Thiry

Distinguished Visiting Professor of Conceptual Art and Institutional Critique

Centre for Critical Art Studies and Curatorial Practice

Biography & Academic Journey

Professor Luc Thiry is an eminent Luxembourgish conceptual artist and theorist, whose influential work over four decades has consistently challenged the definitions of art, authorship, and the role of cultural institutions. His practice often employs text, photography, and archival interventions to deconstruct systems of knowledge and power. Professor Thiry is largely self-taught as an artist but engaged deeply with philosophical studies at the Sorbonne University in Paris during the late 1960s and early 1970s, which profoundly shaped his conceptual approach. He holds an honorary doctorate from the Université Libre de Bruxelles (2010) in recognition of his significant contributions to contemporary art.

Professor Thiry gained international recognition in the 1970s as a key figure in the second wave of conceptual art in Europe. He has held numerous visiting professorships at leading art academies worldwide, including the Städelschule in Frankfurt and De Ateliers in Amsterdam. His work has been featured in landmark exhibitions such as Documenta (Kassel), Skulptur Projekte Münster, and the Venice Biennale (representing Luxembourg). Professor Thiry’s writings on art and institutional critique are considered seminal texts in the field. As a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the European Ivy Academy of Art, he brings a wealth of experience and a critical perspective, engaging students in rigorous discussions about the contemporary conditions of art production and reception. His presence in Lyon is a testament to the Academy’s commitment to fostering dialogue with leading international artists, facilitated by the ease of academic exchange within the EU. The surname Thiry is common in Luxembourg , grounding his persona in his national origin.  

Areas of Specialization & Research Interests

  • Conceptual Art History and Theory
  • Institutional Critique and Museum Studies
  • Art and Language / Text-Based Art
  • The Archive as Artistic Medium
  • Philosophy of Art and Post-Structuralist Thought

Selected Publications & Creative Works

  • Books/Monographs (Artist Books & Theory):
    • The Museum Stripped Bare: Notes on Institutional Practice. Onomatopee Projects (Fictional Imprint), Eindhoven, 1985 (Reissued 2015). ISBN: 978-94-91677-40-1.
    • Index Error: Collected Writings and Projects, 1972-2022. Sternberg Press, Berlin , 2023. ISBN: 978-3-95679-650-3.  
  • Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles (Selected Seminal):
    • “The Non-Work of Art: Dematerialization and its Discontents.” October, Vol. 15, Winter 1980, pp. 35-50. ISSN: 0162-2870.
  • Major Exhibitions (Solo Retrospectives):
    • Luc Thiry: Work & Non-Work, Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven, 2005.
    • The Order of Things, Mudam Luxembourg – Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean, 2018.
  • Major Exhibitions (Group – Landmark):
    • Documenta 6, Kassel, 1977.
    • Venice Biennale (Luxembourg Pavilion), Venice, 1993.
    • Reconsidering Conceptual Art, MoMA, New York, 2010.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, Venice Biennale (Fictional Award for this context), 2025.
  • Roswitha Haftmann Prize, Switzerland, 2012.

Dr. Neli Ivanova

Associate Professor of Printmaking and Artist Books

Department of Print Media and Graphic Arts

Biography & Academic Journey

Dr. Neli Ivanova is a Bulgarian printmaker and book artist celebrated for her intricate works that explore themes of memory, narrative, and the materiality of the printed page. Her practice combines traditional printmaking techniques, such as etching and lithography, with contemporary approaches to book construction and installation. Dr. Ivanova graduated from the National Academy of Art in Sofia with an MFA in Printmaking (2002). She then pursued further specialization at the Leipzig Academy of Visual Arts (Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst Leipzig), Germany, completing a Meisterschüler (postgraduate) degree in Book Arts/Graphic Design (2006). Her doctoral research at the University of the West of England, Bristol (PhD, 2014), focused on the haptic qualities of the artist’s book and its role in contemporary storytelling.

Before her appointment at the European Ivy Academy of Art, Dr. Ivanova was a Lecturer in Printmaking at the Crawford College of Art and Design in Cork, Ireland (2015-2020). She has exhibited her work extensively in international print biennials and book art fairs, and her artist books are held in numerous special collections, including the Bodleian Library (Oxford) and the Joan Flasch Artists’ Book Collection (Chicago). Dr. Ivanova is committed to fostering a deep understanding of printmaking’s rich history while encouraging students to experiment with its contemporary possibilities. Her teaching emphasizes technical proficiency, conceptual development, and the unique expressive potential of the multiple. Her Bulgarian heritage, combined with her studies in Germany and professional experience in Ireland and now France, reflects the vibrant internationalism of the European art education scene. The patronymic surname Ivanova, meaning daughter of Ivan , connects to a common Slavic naming tradition.  

Areas of Specialization & Research Interests

  • Intaglio and Lithographic Printmaking
  • Artist Books and Sculptural Book Forms
  • The Haptics of Print and Paper
  • Narrative Structures in Visual Art
  • Contemporary Bulgarian Printmaking

Selected Publications & Creative Works

  • Artist Books (Selected Limited Editions):
    • Sofia Fragments. Self-Published (N.I. Editions), 2015. (Edition of 25).
    • The Unfolding Map. European Ivy Academy Press (Fine Press Imprint – Fictional), 2023. (Edition of 50). ISBN: 978-2-912345-011-5.
  • Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles:
    • “Touching the Story: Haptic Engagement with the Contemporary Artist’s Book.” The Blue Notebook: Journal for Artists’ Books, 12(1), 2018, pp. 22-35. ISSN: 1756-3291.
  • Exhibition Catalogues (as artist/author):
    • “The Matrix and the Memory.” In New Impressions: International Print Triennial Krakow. Bunkier Sztuki Gallery of Contemporary Art, Krakow, 2019. ISBN: 978-83-66249-10-9.
  • Major Exhibitions (Solo):
    • Palimpsests, National Gallery, Sofia, Bulgaria, 2017.
    • Bound Narratives, Centre for Book Arts, New York, 2022.
  • Major Print Biennials (Featured Artist):
    • International Print Triennial Krakow, Poland, 2019.
    • Tallinn Print Triennial, Estonia, 2021.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Grand Prix, International Print Triennial Krakow, 2019.
  • National Award for Contemporary Bulgarian Art (Printmaking), 2016.