Sebastian Ferrero

Sebastian Ferrero

PhD 2016, Université de Montréal
Lecturer, Department of art history and film studies, Université de Montréal

Sebastien Ferrero undertook his PhD at the University of Montreal with the support of two scholarships: from the FRQSC (Fonds de recherche du Québec) and SSHRC (The social sciences and humanities research council of Canada). Currently, he is a sessional instructor and lecturer in the same department, where he gives courses on Baroque art in Spain and Latin America. He has co-edited and collaborated on a variety of publications, including two volumes of Peruvian studies and numerous peer-reviewed articles including RACAR, Revista de Indias and Revista de crítica literaria latinoamericana (RCLL). His research examines image-text interactions and writing in Andean painting in the era of Peru’s Viceroyalty, and also on the representation of nature and the landscape in South-Andean painting from the same era.

How are you applying your degree in Art History and what do you value most from your Art History experience?

One of the most stimulating and formative aspects of a PhD is the long research process the culminates in the production of a thesis. One rarely has such an opportunity to devote so much time and energy to a specific subject. Additionally, the exchanges and dialogues between colleagues and members of the professorial community, as much in the seminars as in other scholarly forums, have really stayed with me as an excellent experience.

What advice would you give to someone considering graduate studies in Art History?

In the PhD, it’s important to begin developing your research and teaching portfolio. This is the time to really consolidate your knowledge in your specific area of study. It will form the base for the rest of your career. The PhD is also the perfect time to become professionally active. At the time time, don’t lose sight of the fact that your main goal is to finish your thesis and defend it successfully. The key to achieving this is constant dialogue with your supervisor. Also, don’t be afraid to revise and reformulate your hypotheses, or to think twice about your theoretical framework. Finally, keep in touch with others and share your academic experiences with your peers and colleagues.