Professor Ross Harley

Professor Ross Harley

Emeritus Professor
Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA)
School of Art & Design

Former Dean of UNSW | Art & Design, Professor Harley AM is an award-winning artist, writer and educator whose career crosses the bounds of traditional and creative arts research. His video and sound work has been presented at the Pompidou Centre in Paris, New York MoMA, Ars Electronica in Austria, the Biennale of Sydney, and at the Sydney Opera House.

He was Managing Editor then Editor of the journal Art + Text (1986-91), and has written regular columns on design and popular culture for Rolling Stone and for The Australian national newspaper. He has edited a number of anthologies, including New Media Technologies (1993), Artists in Cyberculture (1993) and Before and After Cinema (1999). Another, entitled Parallel Histories in the Intermedia Age appeared in the Summer of 2000. In 1992 he was the director of the influential International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA) and returned as Co-Chair of ISEA 2013.

He is also well-known for directing the audio/vision for the Cardoso Flea Circus videos and live performances with Colombian-born artist Maria Fernanda Cardoso. Collaborative work includes Aviopolis (with Gillian Fuller), a multimedia project and book about airports, Black Dog Publications, London; Busface, a photo-media installation with the Ejecutivo Colectivo exhibited at ArtBasel, Miami; and the DVD installation Cloudscope in collaboration with Durbach | Block architects at Elizabeth Bay House, Sydney; and the Museum of Copulatory Organs with Maria Fernanda Cardoso at the 18th Biennale of Sydney.

Collaborative research projects include the ARC funded "Reconsidering Australian Media Art Histories in an International Context" and “Scanlines: Video Art in Australia Since the 1960s”, an ARC linkage project investigating the history of video art in Sydney partnering with, dLux Media Arts, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia; “Airportals”, a multichannel video of personal airflights and itineraries (with Leo Martyn animator); and “Loomorama“,  a collaborative installation project with Elvis Richardson based on personal archives of VHS tapes and VJ presentation tools. He is also Lead Chief Investigator on the ARC LIEF project Design and Art of Australia Online together with DAAO Research Director and long-time collaborator Gillian Fuller.

He was Head of School Media Arts UNSW (2009-13), Deputy Director at the National Institute for Experimental Arts [NIEA] and Co-Director of the ICinema Centre for Interactive Cinema Research until 2013. A Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales, he was awarded a Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence in 2008, and became Dean of UNSW ART & Design in 2013.

A Director on the Board of NIDA (2017-20),  UNSW Chair of Arts & Culture (2017-20), Chair of Create NSW Multi-arts Board (2019-24) and Chair of the Sydney Culture Network (2017-24), he was awarded Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to education and the arts in 2024.

 

Funded Research Projects

  • Chief Investigator, ARC Linkage Project, "Digitising the Kaldor Public Art Projects Archive", 2018-2020.
  • Chief Investigator, ARC Linkage Project, "Heritage of the Air: how aviation transformed Australia", 2018-2021.
  • Lead Chief Investigator, ARC LIEF Grant, “Design and Art Australia Online: Sustainable Data Sharing for Australian researchers and collections”, 2013-14. 
  • Chief Investigator, “Building Distributed Leadership for Effective Supervision of Creative Practice Higher Research Degrees”, (Office for Learning and Teaching —  Leadership for Excellence in Learning and Teaching grant), 2012-13. 
  • Chief Investigator, “The Humanities Networked Infrastructure (HuNI) Virtual Laboratory”, (National eResearch Collaboration Tools and Resources grant), 2011-13.
  • Lead Chief Investigator, ARC LIEF Grant, “Design and Art of Australia Online”, 2012-13. 
  • Chief Investigator, ARC Linkage Project, “iLetter: Reformulating War Memory as a Dialogical Interactive Narrative”, 2011-2014. 
  • Lead Chief Investigator, ARC Linkage Grant, “Reconsidering Australian Media Arts History in an International Context”, in partnership with ANAT and Donau University, Austria, 2011-13. 
  • Lead Chief Investigator, ARC LIEF Grant, “Design and Art of Australia Online”, 2010-11.
  • Lead Chief Investigator, ARC Linkage Grant, "Video Art Online", in partnership with dLux Media Arts and MCA Sydney, 2008-2011.
  • Goldstar Research Award, “Aviopolis”, University of New South Wales, 2001.
Phone
+61 2 8936 0734
Location
UNSW | Art & Design Paddington
  • Books | 2015
    Harley RR; Elias A; Tsoutas N, 2015, Camouflage cultures: beyond the art of disappearance, Sydney University Press, Sydney
    Books | 2004
    Fuller GM; Harley RB, 2004, Aviopolis: a book about airports, Black Dog Publishing, United Kingdom
    Books | 2000
    , 2000, Convergence, Harley RB, (ed.)
    Books | 1999
    , 1999, Convergence-The Journal of Research into New Media Technologies, Harley RB, (ed.), Sage Publications, United Kingdom
  • Book Chapters | 2013
    Harley R, 2013, 'Australian Video Art Histories: A Media Arts Archeology for the Future', in Cubitt S; Thomas P (ed.), Relive: Media Art Histories, MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, pp. 221 - 231
    Book Chapters | 2011
    Harley RB, 2011, 'Airportals: the functional significance of stillness in the Junkspace of airports', in Bissell D; Fuller G (ed.), Stillness in a Mobile World, Routledge, London, pp. 38 - 50, http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415572620/
    Book Chapters | 2011
    Harley RB, 2011, 'The Protocological Surround: Reconceptualizing Radio and Architecture in the Wireless City', in Foth M; Forlano L; Satchell C; Gibbs M (ed.), From Social Butterfly to Engaged Citizen: Urban Informatics, Social Media, Ubiquitous Computing, and mobile Technology to Support Citizen Engagement, MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, pp. 39 - 55
    Book Chapters | 2010
    Harley RB, 2010, 'Distribution/Network/Configuration: A Photo Essay on Operating Control', in Thomas AR (ed.), Supply Chain Security: International Practices and Innovations in Moving Goods Safely and Efficiently, Praeger, California, pp. 211 - 227, http://www.abc-clio.com/
    Book Chapters | 2008
    Harley RB, 2008, 'Around the World in 80 Airports', in Cwerner S; Kesselring S; Urry J (ed.), Aeromobilities: Theory and Method, Routledge, United Kingdom, pp. 135 - 156
    Book Chapters | 2008
    Harley RB, 2008, 'Australian Electronica; A Brief History', in Sounds of Then, Sounds of Now: Popular Music in Australia, ACYS Publishing, Hobart
    Book Chapters | 2008
    Harley RB, 2008, 'Terminal Insecurity: A Photo Essay', in Aviation Security Management: The Elements of Aviation Security Management Volume 2, Praeger Security Internatinal, Westport, Connecticut, USA, pp. 187 - 194
    Book Chapters | 2008
    Harley RB, 2008, '`From Open Circuits to Open Distribution: Can Video Artists Adopt FLOSS Stragies as their Own?``', in Mansoux A; Valk BD (ed.), Floss + Art, GOTO10 with Open Mute, France, pp. 170 - 179
    Book Chapters | 1998
    Harley RB, 1998, 'Creating a sonic character:non-deigetic sound in the Mad Max trilogy', in Screen scores: studies in contemporary Australian film music, AFTRS, Sydney, pp. 16 - 28
  • Journal articles | 2014
    Nakata NM; Hamacher DW; Warren J; Byrne A; Pagnucco M; Harley R; Venugopal S; Thorpe K; Neville R; Bolt R, 2014, 'Using Modern Technologies to Capture and Share Indigenous Astronomical Knowledge', Australian Academic & Research Libraries, 45, pp. 101 - 110, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00048623.2014.917786
    Journal articles | 2011
    Harley RB, 2011, 'Can Open Learning Have a Future in the University?', Leonardo - Journal of the International Society for the Arts, Sciences and Technology, 44, pp. 168 - 169, http://dx.doi.org/10.1162/LEON_a_00125
    Journal articles | 2009
    Harley RB, 2009, 'Cultural Modulation and the Zero Originality Clause of Remix Culture in Australian Contemporary Art', Fibreculture Journal, 2009, http://journal.fibreculture.org/issue15/issue15_harley.html
    Journal articles | 2009
    Harley RR, 2009, 'Light-Air-Portals: Visual Notes on Differential Mobility', M/C Journal, 12, http://journal.media-culture.org.au/index.php/mcjournal/article/viewArticle/132
    Journal articles | 2008
    Harley RB, 2008, 'Surf Club Craig Golding Book Review', Photofile, 83, pp. 77 - 77
    Journal articles | 2007
    Harley RB, 2007, 'Australian Electronica: A Brief History', Culture Machine, 9
    Journal articles | 2007
    Harley RB, 2007, 'Terminal Immersion', Visual Communication, 6:2, pp. 180 - 202
    Journal articles | 2007
    Murphie AK; Harley RB, 2007, 'Rhythms and Refrains: A Brief History of Australian Electronica', Culture Machine, 9, pp. Online
    Journal articles | 2006
    Harley RB, 2006, 'Alt Archive: The Remix', Photofile, 78, pp. 40 - 43
    Journal articles | 2005
    Fuller GM; Harley RB, 2005, 'SYD: the city as airport', SCAN - Journal of Media Arts and Culture, 2, pp. Online
    Journal articles | 2000
    Harley R, 2000, 'Convergence: Editorial', Convergence, 6, pp. 5 - 8, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/135485650000600201
    Journal articles | 2000
    Harley RB, 2000, 'Roller coaster planet: kinetic experience in the age of mechanical transportation', Convergence-The Journal of Research into New Media Technologies, pp. 77 - 95
    Journal articles | 1999
    Harley R, 1999, 'Editorial: Before and after cinema', Convergence, 5, pp. 5 - 7, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/135485659900500201
    Journal articles | 1997
    Harley RB, 1997, 'Cardoso Flea Circus Video', Cantrills Filmnotes, pp. 4 - 8
    Journal articles | 1997
    Harley RB, 1997, 'Entertainment of wonders and the conflux of apparent miracles: Magic, cinema and illusion in turn of the century performance', Metro, 113/114, pp. 48 - 54
    Journal articles | 1996
    Harley R, 1996, 'That's interaction!: Audience participation in entertainment monopolies', Convergence, 2, pp. 103 - 123, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/135485659600200108
  • Recorded / Rendered Creative Works | 2016
    Del Favero D; Harley R; Bennett J; Thielscher M; Brown N; Stockings C; Reid R, 2016, Retrospect, Published: 01 July 2016, Recorded / Rendered Creative Works, https://www.artdesign.unsw.edu.au/whats-on/events/retrospect-war-family-afghanistan
    Recorded / Rendered Creative Works | 2013
    Del Favero D; Sewell S; Pagnucco M; Shaw J; Benford S; Goebel J, 2013, Scenario, Editor(s): Cleland K; Harley R; r e a ; Muller L; Cavallaro A; Mizuik J; Morelos T; Wah E; Scully J, 3D video installation, Published: 07 June 2013, Recorded / Rendered Creative Works
    Conference Papers | 2013
    Thomas PR, 2013, 'The probability of the diagram', in Fisher L; Cleland K; Harley R (eds.), ISEA International, Sydney, presented at International Symposium of Electronic Art, Sydney, 11 June 2013 - 13 June 2013, http://hdl.handle.net/2123/9742
    Conference Papers | 2013
    Yang L; McArthur IM; Miller B, 2013, 'Expanded urban media: From discretised social collages to corrugated social brain.', in Cleland K; Fisher L; Harley R (eds.), Proceedings of the 19th International Symposium of Electronic Art, ISEA2013, Sydney., ISEA International, Sydney, Australia, presented at International Symposium of Electronic Arts, 2014, Sydney, 10 June 2013 - 14 June 2013, http://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/handle/2123/9752
    Conference Papers | 2013
    Yingying X; Duo J; Yang L; McArthur IW; Miller B, 2013, 'Created in China: China’s Creative and Cultural Future.', in Cleland K; Fisher L; Harley R (eds.), Proceedings of the 19th International Symposium of Electronic Art, ISEA2013, Sydney, ISEA International, Sydney, Australia, presented at International Symposium of Electronic Arts, 2014, Sydney, Australia, 10 June 2013 - 14 June 2013, http://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/handle/2123/9756
    Conference Proceedings (Editor of) | 2013
    Harley, R; Cleland K; Fisher L, (eds.), 2013, 'Proceedings of the 19th International Symposium on Electronic Art, ISEA2013, Sydney', ISEA International, the Australian Network for Art & Technology and the University of Sydney, Sydney, presented at ISEA2013: Resistance is Futile, Australia, 07 June 2013 - 16 June 2013, http://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/handle/2123/9475
    Conference Papers | 2009
    Harley RB, 2009, '“Open Learning Networks in Media Arts Education”,', in Scoping Study for a National New Media/Electronic Arts Network, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, presented at MASS Symposium, Melbourne University,VCA, 04 July 2009 - 05 July 2009
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2008
    Harley RB, 2008, Emu Wear & Stick Insect videos
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2008
    Harley RB, 2008, Stick Insects, Biomimicry, Bernice Steinbaum, Miami
    Conference Papers | 2007
    Harley RB, 2007, 'Totally Busted: Do We Need a You Tube for Video Art?', in Move on Asia, Seoul, South Korea, presented at Move on Asia, Seoul, South Korea
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2007
    Harley RB, 2007, Cardosa Flea Circus Installation
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2007
    Harley RB, 2007, SynCity: Remixing three generations of sample culture
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2007
    Harley RB, 2007, The Forgotten Adventures of Krazy Kat
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2006
    Harley RB, 2006, SynCity
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2005
    Harley RB, 2005, Elastic An Archive Project
    Creative Works (non-textual) | 2005
    Harley RB, 2005, changing spaces
    Recorded / Rendered Creative Works | 1997
    Harley RB, 1997, Cardoso Flea Circus, videotape, 8 minutes, Video, Published: 1997, Recorded / Rendered Creative Works
    Recorded / Rendered Creative Works | 1997
    Harley RB, 1997, R. Facundo, Quien es? Que es/, exhibition and videotape,, Video, Published: 1997, Recorded / Rendered Creative Works
    Recorded / Rendered Creative Works |
    Del Favero D; Harley R; Bennett J; Thielscher M; Brown NC; Stockings C; Kuchelmeister V; MacGregor A; Reid R, Retrospect: War, Family, Afghanistan, Editor(s): Rayner M, website, Recorded / Rendered Creative Works, http://retrospect.abcradio.net.au/