Dr. Irene Barberis
Senior Lecturer
Details
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College: School of Art
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Department: School of Art
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Campus: City Campus Australia
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irene.barberis@rmit.edu.au
About
Dr Irene Barberis is a Senior Lecturer in research at the School of Art. She is also Founding Director of Metasenta Pty. Ltd, an international arts research 'satellite' which functions between Universities, arts organizations and artists.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Academic positions
- Senior Lecturer, 3rd Year co-coordinator
- RMIT University
- Expanded Studio Practice, SOA
- Melbourne, Australia
- 1 Jan 2016 – 31 Dec 2016
- Senior Lecturer, Painting, Hong Kong Art School
- RMIT Vietnam
- Hong Kong./ Lecture Professional Practice Hong Kong
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- 1 Jan 2016 – 31 Dec 2016
Supervisor projects
- Jindgo story: Korean shamanism and the art of displacement
- 1 Nov 2017
- Creativity and Conservatism: A Praxis Investigation into the Formation of Saudi Female Artistic Identity
- 1 Mar 2017
- Nearness and Distance: Exploring the notion of indifference through the lens of Middle-Eastern traditional arts.
- 1 Aug 2016
- Among My Souvenirs: The Role of Site, Artefact and Embodiment as Tools of Remembrance in Material and Visual Culture
- 4 Mar 2013
Teaching interests
Intercultural projects; globalization, sustainability, aesthetics: Methodologies and creative project research: Drawing painting, installation, faith, Illuminated manuscripts, glass, tapestry, mosaic, fresco, specializing in Apocalypse texts and images
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
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
Research interests
Visual Arts and Crafts, Curatorial and Related Studies, Performing Arts and Creative Writing, Cultural Studies, Philosophy, Art Theory and Criticism
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
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
