Dr. Edward West

Biography

Edward West is an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan, where he has contributed to the field of photography and visual arts for over 30 years. His creative work encompasses photography, collage, and installation art, with exhibitions that have been showcased internationally, including the South African National Gallery and the Smithsonian Institution. West's artistic approach revolves around exploring the complex relationship between individuals and their environments, specifically focusing on ethnic identity and the evolving definitions of racial identity. His recent project 'Called' highlights multi-ethnic communities through a series of photographic portraits taken in locations such as South Africa and Hawaii, underscoring the significance of understanding mixed-race identities in contemporary global citizenship. His notable past roles include serving as a faculty member at the University of New Mexico and the University of Hawaii and as chair of photography at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Edward West's work is recognized for its deep engagement with social and cultural narratives, and he has published extensively, including works distributed by the University of Washington Press.

Research Interests