Dr Marina Velez Vago

I am Dr Marina Velez Vago, a multidisciplinary artist and researcher based in Cambridge, UK. I am the course leader for the Diploma in Creativity Theory, History and Philosophy.

My research is informed by feminist theories and art practice enquiries, focusing on how art can create spaces to map out cartographies of experiences to cognise the self and the environment. I employ photography, video and working-with strategies to make visible values and traces of affect in a multi-species nature continuum, with special focus on environmental issues. I have presented my research at international conferences, published papers and co-edited books, but the part of my research I enjoy the most is the fieldwork in rural Spain with farmers and shepherds.

I also teach art at a specialist university, from undergrads all the way to doctoral level. What I like most about teaching at PACE is the variety of the groups and the richness of lifelong learning, where each student brings their own experiences, expertise, and values. In this course, we look at basic questions in relation to creativity, such as Can we create something out of nothing? Or must we destroy in order to create? And my favourite question of all Why do we need art? I love exploring these themes critically with the students, welcoming their own cultural heritage and viewpoints, which make the discussions richer and more inclusive.