Dr. Atesede Makonnen

Biography

Atesede Makonnen's research focuses on visualization, race, and British culture during the early modernity and nineteenth century. Her work engages with a variety of literary forms including novels, poetry, children's literature, illustrations, portraits, and theatrical practices, drawing from diverse media to paint a full picture of cultural objects that contribute to and bolster ideas about race. Her current project, 'Actual Sight Thing: Visualizing Blackness in Nineteenth-Century British Culture,' investigates the impact of racialized sight and explores how the approaching end of slavery sparked new considerations and wariness regarding Black subjects, giving rise to persistent forms of anti-Blackness centered on visuality. Makonnen enthusiastically engages with pop-culture and teaches courses such as 'Superheroes & Identity in Popular Culture,' 'Race in Popular Culture in America,' 'Pride & Prejudice & Fandom,' and 'Happily Ever (?): Fantasies of Nineteenth-Century Romance.' Outside of her academic work, she enjoys comic books, The Beatles, kayaking, and hiking.

Research Interests