MediaArtHistories

Students MediaArtHistories/Testimonials

Jon CATES/USA

Academic degree(s): BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts – Art & Cinema Studies)

Testimonial: "The MediaArtHistories Masters program at the Danube University Krems in Austria is an amazing, innovative and ground-breaking program that not only provides the premiere Masters degree in Media Art Histories in the world but brings together top international theorists,
scholars, artists and curators. Coursework focuses attention on the most pressing issues of Media Art Histories and provides opportunities for exchange between the students and lecturers, working professionals in the field in Media Art. The intensity and focus of the program encourages discussion between students and lecturers in class as well as in social situations made possible in the informal meeting areas and restaurants at the picturesque Stift Göttweig, Furth (the town below the Monastery) and in Krems (on the campus of the University). Visits to organizations and locations such as C3 in Budepest, ZKM in Karlsruhe, TESLA and the RE:PLACE Media Art Histories Conference in Berlin and Ars Electronica and Stadtwerkstatt in Linz are wonderful opportunities to meet those working so in the field, learning directly from them and their organizations."

Wai Yee Winnie FU/Hong Kong SAR

Academic degree(s): BSc Bachelor of Social Sciene

Testimonial: "INSPIRATION REVISITED
As an exhibition curator working at the Hong Kong Film Archive, eager to stay up to date regarding new media and multi-media development. I felt super lucky to have encountered acclaimed theorists and famous media artists from worldwide, taken part in a few mind-broadening and exciting excursions. As privileged students from the MediaArtHistories courses, we had the chance to take part in crucial discussions around hot topics related to Media Arts. At the campus of Krems and Furth/Goettweig, Austria, we were engulfed by a “lyrical” landscape that served as our learning environment. As a young and energetic department in image science, the entire course design can surely be termed unique and inspirational."

Rolf WOLFENSBERGER/Switzerland

Academic degree(s): Dr.

Testimonial: "The wide range of lecturers (artists, arthistorians, curators, conservators, etc.) that were invited to the four modules and the diversity of students with different backgrounds gave me truly inspiring insights.
Even for students with full-time employments the low-residency structure of the course makes it possible to accomplish the assignments and finish the studies. This needs of course some tight scheduling and a certain amount of flexibility on both sides."

Mary HAMMER/USA

Academic degree(s): BA (Art History), MS (Library Science)

2000-2001: M.S., Library Science, Archives Concentration; Simmons College, Boston USA, 1992-1999: B.A. Art History, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Vocational career: 2004-present: Photograph and Map Archivist; Washington State Archives, Olympia, WA; USA 2001-2004: Art Cataloger; Adademy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, USA; 2003-2004: Archivist; Moore College of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, 2000-2001: Archival Assistant, Houghton Library, Harvard College Libraries, Cambridge USA

Rachelle Viader KNOWLES/Great Britain and Canada

Academic degree(s): MFA, BA (Hons) Fine Art; Associate Professor

Testimonial: "With a structure that enables study parallel to employment, the Media Art Histories program is an innovative model of education that attracts students from around the world, already advanced in
professional careers. This is a truly international program that introduces you to the leaders in the field and immediately places you as part of a global network. The modules are dynamic, intense, intellectually challenging and extremely fun! Trips to key institutions and events compliment seminars and lectures and regular online contact between the program participants maintains the group dynamic between modules. The location in the Wachau region of Austria
is spectacular and steeped in history and one of the many benefits of the program is the rich experience of this beautiful part of the world."

Reginald NJEMANZE/Nigeria

Academic degree(s): Higher National Diploma

Testimonial: "Being someone from a very practical background of sculpture, the huge theoretical base of the course, was a bit daunting for me at the beginning but looking back at the structure of the course and what we have done all through; I have learnt to carry out research more independently and confidently. The teaching methods and the support of the entire staff has also helped improve my presentation skills, how to do scientific writing and above all corroborative and interdisciplinary work
which is a very important aspect in contemporary art practice.
I would strongly recommend this course for anybody trying to explore the most intriguing ways media history is bound to digital and/or contemporary art."

Nicolas ROMANACCI/German

Academic degree(s): Diploma Communication Designer

Testimonial: “Current information in image science and MediaArtHistories (important: comparison of different approaches, no dogmata) renowned and charismatic lecturers from all over the world, fantastic and wonderful colleagues, fantastic location, custom-made modules… and beside the personal fulfilment first results, too: e.g. invitation for a lecture about Nelson Goodman at the 12th international Kongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Semiotik… wonderful… Many thanks to the nice team of the Department for Image Science.”

Nina WENHART/German

Academic degree(s): -

Testimonial: "The concentrated set-up of the MAH-program is unique. Great lecturers and students come from all over the world and from various artistic and theortical backgrounds. Lectures last for the whole day, but most often even go on in the breaks and at night when we all have dinner together. Because of the small group size, students and lecturers develop an unparalleled and intensive kind of relationship, which resulted in very open and enriching discussions. The learning process and effects are thereby greatly intensified. Oliver Grau and his team have managed to create an almost family-like athmosphere for lecturers and students where everyone feels welcome, challanged and inspired. The low residency model of the program proved that working profesionally and studying inetnsively are manageable at the same time. Because of its modular structure, new people came in every semester, which was great for the group dynamics. The group is so amazing, we began and continue to collaborate on projects outside the modules, collectively write a blog (http://mediaarthistories.blogspot.com/) and engange in ongoing discussions of Media Art Histories. Because of the compressed time of the modules, the small size of of the village and the long days together, these people have become my dearest friends. So in addition to what I have learned in Krems, having found these wonderful people is what I am most greatful for."

Eleni MICHAILIDI/Greek

Academic degree(s): Ptychion (Mag.)

Testimonial: "Apart from the big advantage of the parallel to employment structure, the Media Art Histories program proved a truly valuable educational experience. As lecturers and students come from all different kinds of fields and backgrounds, the resulting interaction is extremely interesting and fruitful, keeping the spectrum of the course wide and open."

Joanna Marta WALEWSKA/Polish

Academic degree(s): -

2004-2008: student in the Faculty of Philosophy at the Jagiellonian University, Krakow
Vocational career: since May 2006: Member of the ademic Society Collegium Invisibile in Warsaw

Claudia Marcela ALVAREZ AROZQUETA/Mexican

Academic degree(s): BA

BA in History, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico,
UNAM – graduated with Honors Mention, Mexico City, Mexico
Vocational career: independent curator in many curatorial projects, such as the Mexicali Bienniale in Los Angeles, and Substitute: Just another Animal Story, TPS, San Antonio, Texas 2009. Teacher: Research in Art creation (Contemporary Art) at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City.

Gabriele KEPPLINGER/Austria

Academic degree(s): PhD

University Salzburg: Italian/German language and literature studies
Vocational career: 07/2007-present: co-conception and organisation of the conference: “Fernsehen der dritten Art – alternative TV-Modelle”, cultural administration course – BFI Linz
1.2.2005-31.7.2007: Johannes Kepler University Linz: gender mainstreaming “JKU goes gender”, 2000-31.01.2005: Management of the Company Arts and Cultural Association Stadtwerkstatt

Omar BERAKDAR/Syrian

Academic degree(s): Degree in Applied Chemistry

University of Damascus, Faculty of Science, Degree in Applied Chemistry
Vocational career: Material Management Director, responsible for production, planning, logistics as well as training and audits in his department of Unipharma. 2003-1998 Logistics Manager of Unipharma, 1998-1994 started as a production planning Manager of Unipharma; 1994-1990 worked in a cargo agency then in a programming company

Katrin CEBUL/Austria

Academic degree(s): Mag. Art.

1998-1992 Masterclass of Visual Media Design,
University of Applied Arts, Vienna; 1988-1987 Film and Television/ University of Music and Performing Art, Vienna; 1987-1986 German language and Journalism/ University of Vienna
Vocational career: “AIRTRAFFIC”/ a medial ligthsculpture, creating concept, project management, realization;
2008 photography for ArriNews, freelance; 2007-1990 analog and digital video editing, feelance at ORF Departments: Art And Culture, Politics And Events, Science, Sports, Religion

Stephanie THON/Germany

Academic degree(s): -

1996: Bayrische Akademie für Fernsehen/Video-Operator
1993-95: Media Design, Media Design Academy / CT
Computer Training
Vocational career: Since 2007: Motion Design Freelancer with focus‚ installation for Events, fair and exhibition.
2007-März 08: Creative Director for lucie_p Film GmbH, Project management for the medial display of the Spring-Exhibition 2008 in the BMW-World. ARRI Film & TV Services as Senior Assistant

Sonja Silvia SCHACHINGER/Austria

Academic degree(s): -

1999-2008 study of Economics WU-Vienna
Theory of colours at the TU-Vienna special Psychology training with a focus on Hermeneutic Observations
1998-1999 study of Architecture TU-Vienna

Morales Muñoz Fran ILLICH/Mexico

Academic degree(s): B.A. in Latin American Studies (incomplete)

B.A. in Latin American Studies, Alliant International University (unfinished). San Diego - Mexiko Stadt (2003-2007), Film direction. Instituto Ruso-Mexicano (Mexiko Stadt, 2002)Screenwriting (University of California Los Angeles extension)Program in Design of web-based narrative, Trace online school for writers, Nottingham Trent University, 2002. Scholarship recipient. Vocational career: Director of the literature department at Centro Cultural Tijuana. Tijuana 2009-2010, Freelance media artist (2003-2009),Professor of streaming media video @ Escuela Nacional de Pintura, Escultura y Grabado La Esmeralda (2004), Mexico City,Researcher at Centro Multimedia del Centro Nacional de las Artes (2002), México City, Editor of Sputnik Cultura digital printed and online magazine (2000-2001), Mexico City. Screenwriter for Discovery Channel Interacción documentary series. (1996-1997), Los Angeles, USA.

Guilherme KUJAWSKI/Brasil

Academic degree(s): B.A. in English Literature (incomplete)

English Literature at Pontificia Universidade Católica de Sao Paulo (PUC) – Brasil, Courses on Digital TV
Vocational career: Since 2002 coordinator of Itaulab, editor of CIBERCULTURA, 2001 – 2002 reporter of technology at Carta Capital magazine, 1999 – 2001 editor of Carta.com, 1997 – 2000 web writer at Internort, 1995 – 2000 reporter of technology at O Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper, 1999 consultant at MTV Brasil website revamp, 1986 – 1992 free-lancer comic book translator for Editora Abril and Editora Globo.

Robin Alexander PECKHAM/USA

Academic degree(s): -

09/2006-12/2007 studied Modern Culture and Media, including media theory, art history, curatorial studies, and gender studies at Brown University (U.S.A.)
Vocational career: Since 12/2008 Founding Director at Society for Experimental Cultural Production (self-employed) (Hong Kong). Main activities and responsibilities: Guiding creative direction of small curatorial and editorial office while developing exhibitions and other events;12/2007 – 07/2009 Gallery Director at Boers-Li Gallery (P.R. China), 03/2008 – 08/2008 Creative Manager at Minty Culture Bar (P.R. China); 01/2007 – 12/2007 Chinese Archivist at Rockefeller Library East Asian Collection (U.S.A.); 01/2005 – 03/2008 Curator at What?! Bar (P.R. China); 11/2004 – 06/2005 Gallery Assistant at Long March Space (P.R. China); 09/2004 – 12/2004 International Coordinator at Hart Salon Center for the Arts (P.R. China).

Hrvoje HIRSL/Croatia

Academic degree(s): BA of Design of Visual Communication

Design of Visual Communication, Art Academy, University of Split 2005 - 2009
Vocational career: currently Produkcija 004, full time job as graphic designer, 2009,41. Journal of film and video, visual identity for the oldest Croatian film festival, 2009 Laboratorium, outsourced on wide variety of projects, 2008 Cinema Club Split, visual identity and design of the club and development of the web site, 2007 Studio Cavarpayer, outsourced on “Outward 2007 annual award”, festival of outdoor advertising.

Hiroko MYOKAM/Japan

Academic degree(s): Plastic Art and Mixed Media, Media Master

The Art and Media Lab Course, Studio 4: Media Aesthetics / International Academy of Media Arts and Sciences [IAMAS] / Ogaki City / Japan / from 2000 to 2002, Plastic Art and Mixed Media / University of Tsukuba / Tsukuba City / Japan / from 1995 to 1999
Vocational career: Independent Media Art Curator, Founder and CEO of NPO Community Design Council [CDC], 2002 – now, Curator, NTT InterCommunication Center [ICC] (Tokyo, Japan), 2007.-2009, Curator, SKIPCITY Visual Museum (Saitama, Japan), 2004-2007

Laura Plana GRACIA/Spain

Academic degree(s): MA Curatorial Practices Art & New Media

Advanced Certificate in English Language, Cambridge, United Kingdom 2009, Curating, Communication and Criticism, Central Saint Martins, University of Arts, London 2009, MA Curatorship and Cultural Practices in Art and New Media, MECAD Media Center of Art and Design School Superior of Design – University Ramon Llull, Barcelona 2007, BA History of Art, UB University of Barcelona, Barcelona 2006
Vocational career: Crisp London Los Angeles Gallery, Assistant Director, London, 2009, Galeria Joan Prats, Register, Barcelona 2008, Museu Dalí Barcelona – Real Cercle Artístic, Research, Barcelona 2008, Fundació Gala - Salvador Dalí, Archive, Figueres 2007, CASM Centro de Arte Santa Monica, Barcelona 2002, Fundació Antoni Tàpies, Library, Barcelona 2002

Magdalena RAJNECOVA/Slovakia

Academic degree(s): Bc.

Evening school of photography (Institut of digital photography)-2009, Charles University, Prague, School of Human Studies, Prague, Czech Republic, 2003 - 2008, ITIL preparation course, Foundation in IT Service Management level certificate, DELF B1- certificate of french language, Prague Film Academy (Series of evenings consisting of lectures and screenings)-2007
Vocational career: I have few working experience in the field of culture, from galleries and museums. I am currently on internship in DOX, Centre of the contemporary art in Prague, where I work as an informer. The other branch of my career was in the field of IT, I was working in two international companies over past 5 years, on helpdesk and as an IT resources coordinator. I spent one of these years on managerial position, leading a team of 7 people. Part of my carrer was parallel to my University studies, having studied on full time program.