Elitza Dulguerova
PhD. 2007, Université de Montréal
Elitza Dulguerova is Associate Professor in Contemporary Art History and Theory at the Université de Paris I – Panthéon-Sorbonne. She is currently appointed as Scientific Advisor at the Institut national d’histoire de l’art in Paris where she directs a research program on the history of the Biennale internationale des jeunes artistes, known as the Biennale de Paris (1959-1985), and provides scientific advising on the contemporary period. After completing this research, she will enthusiastically return to university teaching and research.
How are you applying your art history degree and what do you value most about your doctoral experience?
I believe art history cannot be practiced in a vacuum. I did my doctorate between France and Quebec and both programs I was affiliated with took a multidisciplinary approach. My studies at the École des hautes études en sciences sociales (EHESS) in Paris drew from history, theory, anthropology, and sociology while the Interuniversity PhD program incorporatedart history, visual studies, comparative literature, philosophy, and cinema. The Centre de recherche sur l’intermedialité (CRIalt) played a very important role in my intellectual development through deep discussions on and insight into a new epistemological subject, and through the fruitful and – at times challenging – interaction between various theoretical and methodological approaches. This formative experience was an excellent model of professional collaboration.
What advice would you give to someone considering graduate studies in Art History?
Undertaking a doctorate is a demanding task whose reward is a few precious years dedicated to a single subject that captivates your interest. Take advantage of this special time to become familiar with as many methodological and theoretical approaches as you can while stepping out of your “comfort zone.” Make the most of these years to read, visit museum and exhibitions, and attend and participate in seminars and conferences on various subjects.