Dr Irene Barberis

Born in London, Irene holds a PhD from Victoria University and an MFA from Melbourne University VCA, Melbourne. She is the Founder and Director of Metasenta®, an International Arts Research Hub operating between universities, the arts and business worlds. She is the Founder and Director of the Global Centre for Drawing, which has operated around the world for ten years - originally The DrawingSpace, Melbourne.

​​She has collaborated on and initiated projects in the UK, USA, Europe, the Middle East​ and Far East. As a painter, installation and new media artist, she has held over 90 solo exhibitions in Australia and abroad, and participated in over 100 group exhibitions.

Irene currently works in the RMIT School of Art as a Senior lecturer and researcher. Among her roles Irene was the first female lecturer in the RMIT Hong Kong BFA, and has been lecturing offshore in this program since 1999. She runs Metasenta Publications, Co Directs Gallery Langford120 and specialises in International projects, many focusing on International Drawing.

Research

• 2016   Rome, Florence, Italy, Hong Kong, Brussels, Flanders, Belgium
• 2014   Kerala, Southern India, London, Brussels, Rome, Hong Kong, Dubai, UAE.
• 2013   Hong Kong, Rome, New York, Southern India.
• 2012   London, Dubai, Rome, Hong Kong
• 2011   New York, Manchester, London, Rome, Dubai.
• 2010   Hong Kong, Guangzhou, London.
• 2009   Bahrain, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, London, Hong Kong, Venice, Rome, Basel, Berlin, London, Guangzhou, China, Tibet. Zurich, Lucerne, London.
• 2008   Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Bahrain, Dubai, London, Belfast, Ireland, Edinburgh, Manchester, Chicago, New Harmony, New York, Los Angeles, (Metasenta Projects, RMIT University).
• 2007   Hong Kong, Guangzhou China, London, Belfast, Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow, Manchester, United Kingdom. Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, USA.
• 2006   Research: Paris (residency), Barcelona, London, Hong Kong, Korea, Tokyo, Japan, Shanghai.
• 2005   Research, San Francisco, Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris.
• 2004   Research / Installation. Paris, Germany, United Kingdom, China, Hong Kong.
• 2003–2004   Residency, Cite Internationale des Arts.
• 2001   Doctor of Philosophy: Victoria University, Melbourne.
• 2000–1996   Candidate for Doctor of Philosophy, Victoria University, Melbourne
  Research Field Trip: New York, London, Oxford, Cambridge. Belgium, Paris, Chartres, Angers, Bourge, Le Man, Avignon, Ravenna, Venice, Perugia, Spoletto, Florence, Rome.
• 1992–94   Master of Fine Arts, Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne University.
• 1979–82   Keith and Elizabeth Murdoch Travelling Fellowship, Victorian College of the Arts, Paris, France.
  Research, atelier installations, USA, Britain, Europe. Resided Paris – 1980–1983.
• 1977–78   Postgraduate Diploma of Painting, Victorian College of the Arts. Melbourne.
• 1975–76   Graduate Diploma of Art and Design, Preston Institute of Technology.
• 1974   Study tour, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Edinburgh, Dusseldorfe, Basel, Milan, Rome, Amsterdam (with Australian Artist Robert Hunter).
• 1972–73   Diploma of Fine Art, Prahran College of Advanced Education.

Theses

• 2001   Abstract and Figurative Elements of the Apocalypse and its Representations,
• 1996–2001   Doctor of Philosophy, Victoria, University, Melbourne.
• 1994   The Spiritual and the Mundane: Aspects of Scripture in the Modern World,
• 1992–94   Master of Fine Art, Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne University
• 1978   Breakdown of Space / Build up of Colour, 1978–79 VCA. PG.Dip, Melbourne University

Current selected international projects

2016-15

The Tapestry of Light: Intersections of Illumination, 36 x 3 mt Tapestry in 14 panels, Thames and Hudson, publication in two parts, Tapestry of Light. Film,Director, Philippe Lercuet.

2014

The Tapestry of Light; Lux, Lumen and Illumination: Dr. I. Barberis, Professor D. Mainwarring, Emerita Professor M.P. Brown, Professor B. Muir, Dr Janet McKenzie

Crossing the Line: Drawing in the Middle East 2, International Conference and exhibition program Global Centre for Drawing, American University in Dubai.

2013

The Art and Science of Illumination: Tapestry of Light; intersections across the gulf; CI, Dr. I. Barberis, Professor D. Mainwarring, Emerita Professor M. P. Brown, Professor B. Muir. Artist Residency, Tasara Experimental Weaving, Sth. India

The Global Centre for Drawing: Reading the Space: Contemporary Australian Drawing #2, New York Studio School, New York.

Metasenta Publishing: Portraits in Focus, Sopha Errey, Anita Taylor, Irene Barberis, Helen Sturgess, Janet McKenzie. (Crossing the Line: Drawing in the Middle East (Exec.Ed. I Barberis. Ed. J Mckenzie), Tapestry Of Light, (Exec.Ed. I Barberis. Ed. J Mckenzie)).

2012

The Art and Science of Illumination: Tapestry of Light; Intersections Across the Gulf; CI, Dr. I. Barberis, Professor D. Mainwarring, Professor M. Brown, Professor B. Muir.( exhibitions, publication: Apocalypse: Re Looking)

Metaspace International: Gallery, 120 Langford Street, Melbourne. Curator, Crossing the Line: Drawing in the Middle East, Australian component.

The Global Centre for Drawing; The DrawingSpace, Melbourne; 120 Langford Street, Melbourne.

Montana Group (formerly Artists in Leadership Project) Dialogue 2 (TBC)

Metasenta : a new Paradigm in Arts Education © Palgrave Macmillan/Metasenta Publication. 2011

3 small Publications; Metasenta Publications, 2011/2012 ( S.Farthing, T. Trehy, M. Lima)

Contemporary Australian Drawing#1, Metasenta Commission, Palgrave Macmillan Publication; Author; Dr Janet McKenzie, contextualising essay, Dr. Christopher Heathcote, Coda Dr. Irene Barberis

2011

International Chair, Crossing the Line: Drawing in the Middle East, International Drawing Conference. RMIT University collaboration American University in Dubai.

Metaspace International: National and International Curatorial Gallery, 120 Langford Street, Melbourne.

The Global Centre for Drawing; The DrawingSpace, Melbourne; 120 Langford Street, Melbourne.

Montana Group (formerly Artists in Leadership Project) Dialogue 2.

5 Places Project, Bury UK, Finland, Melbourne, Hong Kong.

Curated “ 5 Places – Chinese Artists, Bury Museum and Art Gallery, Manchester, United Kingdom, in tandem with the Asia Triennial, Manchester2.

Collaborative Drawing Project: Global Drawing: Irene Barberis & Stephen Farthing (in process).

Metasenta : a new Paradigm in Arts education © Macmillan/Metasenta Publication. 2011

5 small Publications; Metasenta Publications, 2011/2012

Contemporary Australian Drawing, Macmillan/Metasenta Publication (in process) Metasenta Commissioned, Dr Irene Barberis; Author; Dr Janet McKenzie, contextualising essay, Christopher Heathcote

2010

Metasenta Hong Kong: the DrawingSpace, Hong Kong, The Drawing Space, Dubai.

5 Places Collaboration: Irene Barberis & Tony Trehy; Bury, Melbourne, Hong Kong.

International Centre for Drawing: Directors: Dr Irene Barberis, Melbourne; Professor Stephen Farthing, London: 3 exhibitions.

2009

Across the Gulf, Bahrain, Dubai, Abu Dhabi.

Venice Agendas, 53rd Venice Bienniale, Wimbledon College of Art

Moving Cultures: Intercultural Dialogue, Tibet-Guangzhou – Western Team/10 Eastern team/7.

Across the Gulf : 22 Artists Collaboration with The 2009 Arc Biennale, Brisbane

Across the Gulf 2009 – Publication Metasenta Publishing.

Artists in Leadership – The Montana Group Lucerne Switzerland

2008

The Chicago Project, Chicago. Publication; The Chicago Project: Fold-out Futures, Volume 1+2 RMIT Publishing, RMIT University, Edinburgh College of Art, Design Institute, RMIT, University Co -Project Leader, with Professor Karen Forbes, Head ECA Painting and Drawing, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Moving Cultures: 2007 -2009. China, Australia, UK, Ireland, USA. (Twelve Universities, Four Associates) Global Cities Institute RMIT University. Western Project Leader, Eastern Project Leader, Professor Isadora Jiang

The DrawingSpace, Melbourne, International and National Artists, Activating Dormant Spaces, The Design Institute, RMIT University. Instigator and Director: Dr. Irene Barberis

The Centres Project, 2008-2009: Co Curator Irene Barberis and Steven Ball RMIT University, Central Saint Martins, The University of Arts, London.

Across the Gulf: Bahrain, Dubai Abu Dhabi, Metasenta Projects, American University in Dubai.

Current Long Term Project: The Tapestry of Light: The Art and Science of Illumination and the Photon: In collaboration with Professor David Mainwarring, of RMIT University

Dr Irene Barberis is an artist and Founding Director of Metasenta Pty. Ltd. Metasenta is supported by a number of Universities, the primary host being RMIT University, Melbourne, and the University of the Arts London. She has initiated many international arts projects in collaboration with artists and institutions in the UK, USA, the Middle East and the Far East.

Each of the Metasenta projects consists of exhibitions, publications and filmed documentaries. Some of the recent projects include: The Centres Project, London, The Chicago Project, Chicago, 'Across the Gulf', Bahrain, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Artists in Leadership, Lucerne, and Moving Cultures, China/Tibet. Each project brings together multiple Universities, with projects having all outcomes within the year.

Metasenta Projects: Global Research Satellite/hub - Dr. Irene Barberis 2005

Founding Director of Metasenta Projects: Dr Irene Barberis
Founding Benefactor: Mr. Po Chung.
Coordinating Manager: Andre Liew.
Metasenta Projects is a research satellite, which sits in the School of Art, RMIT University and links into the Design Institute and the Global Cities Institute.

• PhD, 2000

• MA, 1994

Academic positions and lectures (since 2000)

2016

Senior Lecturer, 3rd Year co-coordinator, Expanded Studio Practice, SOA, RMIT University, Melbourne Senior Lectureer, Painting, Hong Kong Art School, RMIT University Hong Kong./ Lecture Professional Practice Hong Kong

Artists talk/Lecture, The Bury Art Museum, Bury, Manchester, United Kingdom.

2015

Symposium Paper: Crossing the Line#3: Global Drawing: Intersections in Firenze, Clayton Hubbs Lecture Hall (Palazzo dei Cartelloni), SACI Institute, Florence, Italy

Elected International Director: Crossing the Line#3, Global Drawing, Firenze, Symposium SACI Institute, Florence, Italy.

International Critic and Faculty Lecture: Apocalypse and the Church (Lecture), Rome Art Program, Rome, Italy.

Master Drawing Workshop, SACI Institute, Florence Italy.

2014

Artist Residency, Tasara Center, Southern India. Tapestry of Light weaving/thread research.

Apocalypse: Re Looking (Lecture) Latrobe University, Bendigo/Midura link up, Bendigo Campus.

Elected International Chair for the Crossing the Line 2: Drawing in the Middle East Conference. Editorial board for Crossing TCL#2

International Critic and Faculty Lecture, Rome Art program, Rome Scholars residency, British School in Rome, Rome, Italy.

Master Drawing Workshop, American University in Dubai. United Arab Emirates

2013

Chair, Morning Session, Drawn Out Conference, RMIT/UAL. Melbourne, Australia 

nvitation: International Critic and International Faculty for the The Rome Art Program: The Apocalypse in Church Art in Rome, a focus on the Maria Maggiore Cathedral, and Maria Trastevere

2014

Senior Lecturer, Expanded Studio Practice, RMIT University, Melbourne

Senior Lecturer, Painting, RMIT Offshore program, Hong Kong x2

International Critic, and International Art Historian Lecture, Rome Program (New York based), Rome.

International Chair and Curator: Drawing in the Middle East 2, Dubai (GCfD & American University in Dubai)

2013

Senior Lecturer, Expanded Studio Practice, RMIT University, Melbourne

Senior Lecturer, Painting, RMIT Offshore program, Hong Kong x2

International Critic, & International Art Historian Lecture, Rome Program (New York based), Rome. “Reading the space: Contemporary Australian Drawing #3, New York Studio School, New York.

2012

Senior Lecturer, Expanded Studio Practice, RMIT University, RMIT University,

Senior Lecturer, Painting, RMIT Offshore program, Hong Kong: Researcher; International projects.

Drawing Out (2) Conference, University of the Arts, London, Paper: A Parallel Paper: Blurring Edges.

Curator: 84 Australian Artists, “Contemporary Australian Drawing2, University of the Arts London, London.

International Critic for The Rome Program (New York Based), Rome.

Tapestry of Light Project, Langford120 Lecture.

2011

International Chair; “Crossing the Line: Drawing in the Middle East; Intersections of practice and understanding. Keynote Speaker (one of four). Curator; ‘Crossing the Line: Drawing in the Middle East’ 22 artist, Australia, UK, Middle East, Tashkeel Gallery, Dubai.

Visiting Lecturer: Discussions; American University of Dubai, Tashkeel, Galleries, Dubai, UAE.

Researcher and Senior Lecturer, RMIT SOA Melbourne / The Art School Hong Kong

Founding Director; Metasenta International Studio School.

2010

Curator/ Lecture; RMIT Gallery, RMIT University; Contemporary Australian Drawing 1.

Invitation: Steering Committee of the 2010 ‘Drawing Out’ Conference, RMIT/UAL.

Invited Chair Parallel Session Chair: Drawing in / Drawing is a way of Thinking, The Drawing Out Conference, RMIT Storey Hall Auditorium, RMIT University, Melbourne, April 9. Senior Lecturer, SOA, RMIT University, Melbourne/Hong

2009

Co- Head Drawing, RMIT SOA, RMIT University, Developed Drawing through meetings and International Projects between Metasenta ®, RMIT and the University of the Arts London, Guangzhou University

Lecturer Hong Kong, Painting and Drawing.

2008

Co- Head Drawing, RMIT SOA, RMIT University

Lecturer Hong Kong, Painting and Drawing

Apocalypse – Tapestry of Light, Artists Talk, VTW, Melbourne

2007

‘SOL LEWITT: Vignettes’, National Gallery of Victoria, Australia

Co’ Head, Drawing Department, RMIT University, Melbourne

Director: MetaSenta Projects (International)

Initiator: Ducan of Jordanston, inaugural ‘Drawing Lab’ Workshop

Initiator / partnership ‘Chicago Project’, RMIT University and Edinburgh College of Art, Scotland, and John David Mooney Foundation, Chicago USA.

2006

Director: MetaSenta Projects, RMIT University

Lecturer, RMIT Drawing, Melbourne, RMIT Drawing and Painting, Hong Kong. RMIT University

Fine Art Drawing, Melbourne Painting and drawing Program, Hong Kong

Lecture/workshops (for Intersections Exhibition and Education Program), National Gallery Victoria,

Jewish Museum of Australia, Presentation College (working with Year eleven Students from five schools - Jewish, Christian and Muslim for the exhibition 'Young Intersections, concurrent with Intersections - reading the space)

2005

RMIT University, Fine Art Drawing, Melbourne. Painting, Hong Kong

2004

RMIT University, Fine Art Drawing, Melbourne. Painting, Hong Kong

2003

RMIT University, Fine Art Drawing, Melbourne, Hong Kong

2002

RMIT University, Fine Art Drawing, Melbourne, Hong Kong

2001

RMIT University, Fine Art, Drawing, Melbourne, Hong Kong

RMIT Hong Kong Arts Centre, Drawing and Painting

National Gallery of Victoria, Lecture: Education Program

2000

RMIT University, Fine Art, Drawing, Melbourne. Painting, Hong Kong

Awards and commissions (since 2000)

2009

International Public Art Award, Bury City Centre, “Three in One – the Rock Project” Manchester, UK (not taken up)

RMIT University, Design Research Institute Grant: Tapestry of Light: history into Futures Funding; Metasenta Pty. Ltd® 

2008

Funding: Metasenta Projects, RMIT University

2007

‘City Centre’, Shortlisted for International Public Art Project. Bury City Centre Manchester, United Kingdom

2006

Museums Australia, Jewish Museum – Honourable Mention for Intersections – Reading the Space.

Frankston “new circular lighting Project”

2005

Frankston Bayside, new glass Sculpture work "Ellipse"

Finalist, Arthur Guy Memorial Painting Prize. Bendigo Art Gallery, Australia

2004

Frankston Commission, Eight Works – A Kinaesthetic Experience”, major sculptural work, Pivot

2003

Arts Victoria, New Work Development Grant

Selection- finalist, Docklands Lighting Project, ARM architects (5 shortlist)

2002

Lighting Project, Geelong Arts Precinct, with Brecknock Consulting