Introduction
Amy Nygaard received her interdisciplinary PhD in Art History and the Humanities in 2019. Her dissertation examined the intersections of trauma and violence in the works of contemporary South African artist Jane Alexander. Dr. Nygaard's research interests include postcolonial aesthetics, contemporary art of the global south, and new museum theory.
Dr. Nygaard is an assistant professor of Museum Studies and Art History. Her research explores the interconnections between the aesthetics of trauma in post-apartheid culture, history, and politics through the provocative work of Jane Alexander (b. 1959). She examines how the South African government & rhetoric of nation-building shaped the collecting and display practices at the South African National Gallery, the South African Museum, and the Castle of Good Hope. Her interdisciplinary research and teaching interests investigate how whiteness, trauma, and political rhetoric shape contemporary art practices and cultural institutions such as museums and heritage sites. Dr. Nygaard is dedicated to creating a program for our students as well as current museum professionals, to learn about trauma-informed practices and how to implement them in the culture and heritage sector.