Dr. Karin Ruggaber

Biography

Karin Ruggaber is a Professor at the Slade School of Fine Art at University College London, where she also serves as the Head of Graduate Sculpture. Her academic and artistic practice focuses on sculpture and the production of artist's books, exploring a dynamic association of materials and the representational function of her work. Ruggaber's research addresses the interplay between figuration and ornamentation, emphasizing sensory experiences within public spaces and the relationship between architectural forms and narratives. Among her notable achievements, Ruggaber has been awarded the Abbey Fellowship at the British School in Rome and has completed various residency and grant projects, including work with Selldorf Architects in New York. She has exhibited internationally, including at institutions like Tate Britain and greengrassi in London. Her ongoing initiative, the Rock Room Project, collaborates with UCL’s Earth Sciences department to engage with materiality and scale within the context of contemporary sculpture. Ruggaber has a rich teaching history, supervising several programs and external examination roles across multiple institutions including the Royal Academy Schools and Goldsmiths College. She is widely recognized for her contributions to contemporary art, particularly in translating complex ideas into tactile and public sculpture, while also fostering interdisciplinary dialogue through her research.

Research Interests

Experience