Dr. Sandra Neugärtner

My teaching explores the critical junctures where art, theory, and society intersect. Seminars trace the genealogy of key concepts that define art’s relationship to society, from foundational methods of art history—such as Renaissance ekphrasis—to their modern and contemporary manifestations. We examine how artistic practices respond to and shape political realities, delving into the manifestos of the historical avant-gardes, the impact of technology on artistic media, and contemporary strategies of art activism. Core thematic clusters include aesthetic theory, ecocriticism, and critical inquiries into gender and identity, always connecting historical foundations to the urgencies of the present.

My seminars are designed as interactive laboratories that bridge academic theory with the (institutional and material) realities of the art world. A commitment to transdisciplinary inquiry and critical thinking guides my pedagogical approach. I employ a range of methods to foster active participation, including collaborative group work and peer-teaching sessions, empowering students to co-shape the syllabus and approach foundational texts with critical inquiry.
A key principle of this methodology is to situate our analysis. Whenever possible, this involves leaving the seminar room for on-site engagement with artworks, archives, and institutions.

Seminars have included visits to key Berlin venues such as Hamburger Bahnhof, Bode-Museum, Martin-Gropius Bau and KW Institute, and an exploration of contemporary art production at E-Werk Luckenwalde. We have also undertaken deep dives into the experimental legacy of the Bauhaus, from the iconic sites in Dessau to the material practice of weaving at the Margaretha Reichardt Haus near Erfurt. This approach is enriched by direct dialogue with practitioners. Past seminars have featured intensive exchanges with a diverse range of Berlin-based artists (including Jeanne Fredac, Ila Wingen, Katrin Salentin, Maria Korporal ➜ (Link), Aykan Safoğlu, Claudia Hartwig, and Sooki Koeppel), leading curators (Carolin Köchling, Martin-Gropius-Bau), and archivists (Jeanette Stoschek, MdbK Leipzig), providing students with firsthand insights into the professional fields of art production and curation.