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Research Centre for Transnational Art, Identity and Nation (TrAIN)

People looking at an art installation of light boxes with world maps printed on them
People looking at an art installation of light boxes with world maps printed on them
Angela Detanico and Rafael Lain, The World Justified, Left Aligned, Centred, Right Aligned, 2004. 4 Light Boxes,120 x 250 x 12cm each. Installation View. Photograph Ding Musa.

A cross disciplinary hub for historical, theoretical and practice-based research in art and design.

About us

Founded in 2004, the Research Centre for Transnational Art, Identity and Nation (TrAIN) investigates historical, theoretical and practice-based research in art, architecture, craft and design.

This research is driven by the desire to critique dominant ideas of 'globalisation' and to open up new perspectives that address questions of how art and design can respond to social (in)justice, decolonisation of institutions and the creation of more diverse global art histories.

Research projects

  • A statue of a chip inside a glass bottle
    Credit: The Fourth Plinth, 'Nelson's Ship in a Bottle' by Yinka Shonibare, Trafalgar Square, London. 2011. Author: Brian Gillman. Creative Commons.

    Worlding Public Cultures

    Developing a critical art theory and practice-based approach to social innovation. Promoting discussion of decolonising museums, the impact of globalisation on art, and decolonial curation.

  • Photo of a tree which has 'Change your life' written on it
    "Change your life" 1989-1990, graffitied section of the Berlin Wall by East German Artist Jürgen Grosse (INDIANO) as part of 223 individual Berlin Wall pieces painted with motivational slogans for global audience. Currently in front of the Imperial War Musuem in London. Photo by E. Warner.

    Postsocialism and Art

    Exploring hidden legacies of postsocialism in Eastern Europe. Creating a platform for a community of artists and art historians interested in the former Eastern Bloc.

TrAIN stories

  • A grainy black and white image showing the back of a man steering a boat downriver
    On a Suriname River by Ahron de Leeuw

    consent not to be a single being: Worlding Public Culture's London Gathering

    1-8 December, the Worlding Public Cultures project at TrAIN will host a major international online conference and programme at Tate and Chelsea College of Arts. It will explore the legacies of Caribbean thought on global art histories, public culture and activism.

  • A casually dressed professor shot against a large internal grey wall with Portuguese writing
    Felipe Scovino, Professor of art history at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

    Professor Felipe Scovino returns to UAL as TrAIN Visiting Scholar

    TrAIN welcomes Felipe Scovino, Professor of art history at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro as Visiting Scholar. Formerly the curator for the estate of Lygia Clark, Professor Scovino has since worked extensively as an independent curator. His current research focuses on the work of artist Hélio Oiticica and architect Lina Bo Bardi.

  • Close up of pale white textile with faded blue cloud design
    Cloud patterned textiles by Hugging Yue MA Textile Design Chelsea UAL Photo by David Poultney

    New TrAIN Associate Dr Nela Milic to lead on Postsocialism and Art

    TrAIN is excited to welcome new research Associate Dr. Nela Milic, who will lead on decolonial research project, Postsocialism and Art. Dr Milic is an artist and academic in the Design School at UAL’s London College of Communication.

People

Past events

Watch our open lectures, seminars, workshops and symposia.