JOHN DI STEFANO
EDUCATION
Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand. Doctor of Philosophy [Dean’s list] (2011)
University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles, US. Master of Fine Art (1991)
Università di Roma - La Sapienza, Rome, Italy. Film Studies / Comparative Literature Departments (1986–1988)
Concordia University, Montréal, Canada. Bachelor of Fine Art [Distinction] (1986)
TEACHING APPOINTMENTS [selected]
Concordia University, Department of Art History. Scholar-in-residence (2019–2021) ; Dept. of Studio Arts and Dept of Art History. lecturer (2022 - present)
Université du Québec à Montréal, School of Design. Lecturer (2021)
University of Sydney – Sydney College of the Arts. Associate Professor / Head of Screen Arts (2012–2017); Honorary Professor (2017–2019)
National Art School. Sydney, Australia. Head of Postgraduate Studies (2010–2012)
Massey University. Wellington, New Zealand. Associate Professor / Director of Postgraduate Studies (2002–2010)
Victoria University. Wellington, New Zealand. Senior Lecturer / Head of Photography (2001–2002)
Vermont College. Montpellier, USA. Rotating Faculty - Graduate (1999–2003)
School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Chicago, US. Assistant Professor / Chair of Video Department (1995–2000)
University of California. Irvine (UCI), Irvine, US. Adjunct Faculty (1993–1995)
University of California, Los Angeles—Extension (UCLA). Los Angeles, US. Instructor (1993)
California Institute of the Arts (CALARTS). Valencia, US. Regular Faculty / Visiting Artist (1992–1995)
RESIDENCIES [selected]
Cité Internationale des Arts, Paris, France. / Power Institute for Art & Visual Culture, Fern Residency Fellow (2017)
Concordia University - Hexagram centre for research in media arts, design, technology & digital culture, Visiting Scholar Residency (2016)
British School at Rome, Rome, Italy. Artist-in-Residence (2013)
Shanghai Creative, Shanghai, China. (in conjunction with the Shanghai Biennale of Art) Artist-in-Residence (2006)
Eastlink Gallery, Shanghai, China. (in conjunction with the Shanghai Biennale of Art) Artist-in-Residence (2004)
Videotage / Hong Kong Arts Development Council, Hong Kong, China. Artist-in-Residence (2001)
ARTIST BOOKS [published]
UnFold. Enjoy Public Art Gallery. Wellington, New Zealand (2011)
November 2, 1975, DSKO [self-published], Wellington, New Zealand (2005)
Hub, DSKO [self-published], Wellington, New Zealand (2001)
VITALITY. Artextes. Montréal, Canada (1988)
ARTIST PROJECTS [published]
'Appendix : partial'. Bandiera Nera. SCA Galleries - University of Sydney, Australia (2015)
'Casa' [artist folio], Sightseeing, Rim Publishing (in association with the Goethe Institute), Auckland, New Zealand (2010)
'Parallel Lines'. New Zealand Film Archive. Wellington New Zealand (2005)
'Pasolini’s Paper Flower Sequence'. Errant Bodies, Guest Editor: M. Viegener. Los Angeles, US (1996/7)
'Sexuality & Its Discotheques'. Grand Larceny: Reclaiming Stolen Histories. University of California, Irvine, US (1994)
'My Affair with Pasolini'. Queer Looks - Perspectives on Lesbian and Gay Film and Video. Editors: J Greyson, M Gever & P Parmar. Routledge, London, UK (1993)
'Palimpsest / Terrorism'. New Observations, Art and Politics in LA. Editor: George Herms. New York, US (1993)
'Désirs / Idées'. Westwind. University of California. Los Angeles, US (1990)
'Untitled'. Primer. Editor: Dylan Tran. Los Angeles, US (1989)
PUBLIC ART PROJECTS
'Ashes (Amsterdam)'. Video projection (part of FED TV). Federation Square. Melbourne, Australia. 2010
'Ashes (Amsterdam)'. Video projection (commissioned by Projection on Lake public art project.) Pasadena, US. Curator: D Bradshaw (2008/9)
'Inter/section'. Site-specific installation (commissioned by the Art Box Project). Civic Square. Wellington, New Zealand (2003)
'I Never Can Say Goodbye'. Billboard project (commissioned by LACE - Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions). Los Angeles, US (1991)
CURATORIAL PROJECTS [selected]
'RE:CINEMA' [video program]. Co-curator. Sydney Underground Film Festival, Sydney, Australia (2016)
'The Screening Room' [screening series]. Co-curator & organizer. NAS Gallery / Performance Space. Sydney, Australia (2011–2012)
'I Am What I Play' [performance series]. Co-curator & organizer. NAS Gallery – Cell Block Theatre. Sydney, Australia (2011–2012)
'Satellite' [exhibition]. Curator - New Zealand Pavilion. Creative Shanghai, Shanghai, China (2006)
DocNZ Film Festival - Experimental Documentary [film program]. Curator. New Zealand Film Archives. Wellington, New Zealand (2006)
'V.A.L.I.S. - Connie Samaras' [artist solo exhibition]. Curator. The Engine Room. Wellington, New Zealand (2006)
'Open Cities' [exhibitions]. Co-curator. Para/Site Art Space. Hong Kong / Rymer Gallery, Chicago, US (2001)
'Not On Any Map' [film series]. Curator. Film Center. Chicago, US (1999)
Not On Any Map [exhibition]. Curator. Rymer Gallery. Chicago, US (1999)
Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival [festival program]. Video Curatorial & Programming Committee (1993 & 1994)
VIDEO DISTRIBUTION
Video Data Bank, Chicago, IL, US
V-Tape, Toronto, Canada
Circuit, New Zealand
AWARDS & DISTINCTIONS [selected]
Experimental Forum, [Award: Honourable mention], Los Angeles, US (2018)
Circuit Artist Film & Video Aotearoa-New Zealand. Artist Cinema Commission (2017)
Festival International du Documentaire de Marseille (FIDM). Media Library Prize Competition (2010)
Festival International du Documentaire de Marseille (FIDM). Official International Competition (2010)
Documentary Edge Film Festival, New Zealand. Official Competition (2010)
ARTFORUM, New York [publication]. 'Best of 2001 - Top ten art works of 2001', selected by James Meyer (2001)
Atlanta International Film Festival. [Award: Best Social Critique – Honorable mention] (1993)
San Francisco International Film Festival. [Award: New Visions / Golden Gate Award] (1992)
Canadian International Film Festival. [Award: One-Star Award] (1992)
Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival. [Award: Audience Choice – Best Video] (1991)
GRANTS & FELLOWSHIPS [selected]
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Connection Grant [co-applicant/co-researcher] (2016)
University of Sydney – Sydney College of the Arts. Research Support Grant (2016, 2015, 2014, & 2013)
Massey University. Massey University Research Fund Grant (2010)
Asia - New Zealand Foundation (formerly 'Asia 2000'). Wellington, New Zealand. Artist Grant (2004)
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Doctoral Fellowship (2001 - 2004)
Canada Council for the Arts. Creative Development Grant (1998)
Arts Midwest / NEA. National Endowment for the Arts Visual Artist Fellowship (1996)
Conseil des Arts et des Lettres du Québec. 'B' Grant (1996)
Contemporary Artists Center, North Adams, MA, USA. Artist Recognition Award (1996)
Brody Arts Fund - The California Community Foundation. Media Arts Fellowship (1994)
Art Matters, New York, NY. Artist Grant (1994)
Art Council, University of California - Los Angeles. UCLA Art Council Award (1991)
Canada Council for the Arts. 'B' Grant (1989 & 1988)
Canada Council for the Arts. Project Grant (1987)
RELATED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE [selected]
Peer Reviewer. Photographies [publication]. Routledge, London UK (2025)
Desk Editor. Art Asia Pacific [publication]. New York. NY, US / Hong Kong, China (2004–2017)
Co-convener. Photography - Ontology Conference, University of Sydney (2016)
Peer Reviewer, Australasian Journal of Popular Culture [publication], Intellect, London UK (2016)
Co-convener. Tactical Imaginary Symposium. University of Sydney – Sydney College of the Arts (2015)
Juror. Sydney Underground Film Festival, Sydney, Australia (2015)
Peer Reviewer, Australian & New Zealand Journal of Art [publication], University of Sydney (2014)
Peer Reviewer, Studies In Material Thinking [publication]. Auckland University of Technology (2014)
Co-editor, The Sceptical Image (publication), SCA Gallery – University of Sydney, Australia (2014)
Co-convener. The Image in Question Conference. University of Sydney / ACU (2014)
External Assessor - Academic Promotions, University of Auckland (2014)
Steering Committee, The 21st Century Artist Conference. Artspace, Sydney, Australia (2013)
Juror. Artist Book Prize, Art Association of Australia & New Zealand. Sydney, Australia (2013, 2014, 2015)
Steering Committee, Art Association of Australia & New Zealand Conference. University of Sydney. Australia (2012)
Steering Committee, AIAS - International Association of Independent Art and Design Schools Conference, Sydney, Australia (2012)
Juror. Darling Foundry Residency. Artspace, Sydney, Australia (2011)
Co-convener. Expanding Documentary Conference (biennial). University of Auckland / Massey University. New Zealand (2004–2010)
Founding Member / Advisory Board. LITMUS Research Centre - Massey University. Wellington. New Zealand (2004–2010)
Editorial Committee. Illusions - Journal of Moving Image & Performance Criticism [publication]. Wellington, New Zealand (2004–2010)
Itinerant Curator – Time-based/New Media. Museum of Contemporary Art China. Hong Kong, China (2006–2008)
Advisory Board. Museum of Contemporary Art China. Hong Kong, China (2006–2009)
External Reviewer, Adam Art Gallery, Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand (2005)
Juror, College of Creative Arts Research Award, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand (2005)
Trustee. Art Compass Studio-Gallery. Wellington, New Zealand (2002–2006)
Juror. Chartwell Trust Art Writing Prize. Adam Art Gallery - Victoria University. Wellington, New Zealand (2001)
Associate Editor (Asia/Pacific). Site Street [electronic journal]. Side Street Projects. Los Angeles, US (1999–2002)
Consultant. ‘Institute For Studies In Art, Culture & Society’, Art Institute of Chicago, US (2000)
Reader. Routledge Press, London, UK (1998)
Director/Curator. Go Gallery - University of California, Department of Fine Art / Photography. Los Angeles, US (1989)
CONFERENCES, PUBLIC LECTURES & PANELS [selected]
2023 & 2024
Concordia University – Dept. of Art History, Issues in the Montreal Art Milieu: 1980s – Politics & the Gay Male Body, Invited Artist, Montreal, Canada
2022
Concordia University, Pier Paolo Pasolini – Riprese Reprises Retakes Conference, Panelist, Montreal, Canada
2018
University of Sussex, Disco! An Interdisciplinary Conference- screening, Brighton, UK
2017
Coventry University, Thick Cinema – screening and presentation, Invited Artist, Coventry, UK
2016
University of Sydney. Photography - Ontology Conference, Co-convener & Presenter, Sydney, Australia
University of Sydney. PopCAANZ International Conference, Popular Culture Association of Australia & New Zealand, Sydney, Australia
Sydney Underground Film Festival / University of Sydney. RE:CINEMA Symposium. Sydney, Australia
Concordia University / Hexagram. Elastic S3D Space: Embodied Virtual Space Conference, Invited Researcher & Presenter, Montreal, Canada
2015
California Institute of the Arts (CALARTS) – Photo & Media Dept. Photography, Moving Image & the Spaces Between, Invited Speaker, Valencia, US
University of Sydney – Sydney College of the Arts. Tactical Imaginary Symposium, Co-convener & Presenter, Sydney, Australia
Concordia University / Hexagram. Elastic S3D Space: Research Exchange Workshop, Invited Presenter, Montreal, Canada
Taiwanese Film Festival. Invited Speaker, Dendy Cinema Quays, Sydney Australia
2014
University of Sydney. The Image in Question Conference, Co-convenor/Speaker, Sydney, Australia
University of Toronto – Faculty of Architecture. Situating & Orienting Positions of Engagement, Invited Speaker, Toronto, Canada
2013
Artspace. The 21st Century Artist Conference, Chair/Panelist, Sydney, Australia
University of Sydney. Art History & Film Studies Lecture Series, Invited Speaker, Sydney, Australia
Aalto University. Poetics and Politics of Documentary Film Conference, Panelist, Helsinki, Finland
2012
University of Sydney. Art Association of Australia & New Zealand Conference, Chair/Panelist, Sydney, Australia
University of California. Artist Lecture / Screening - Studio Art Dept. Irvine, CA, US
2011
Victoria University. Art Association of Australia & New Zealand Conference, Panelist, Wellington, New Zealand
University of Sydney. Doctoral writing in the visual & performing arts Symposium, Panelist, Sydney College of the Arts, Sydney, Australia
CAST - Contemporary Art Spaces Tasmania / University of Tasmania. Iteration: Again Conference, Panel Chair/Respondent, Hobart, Australia
University of Sydney – Sydney College of the Arts - Photomedia Dept. Artist Presentation. Sydney, Australia
NAS Gallery / National Art School (in conjunction with Art & About). Art Forum Artist Lecture. Sydney, Australia
2010
Project Space Gallery – RMIT University. Double Take / Time Frame, Artist Presentation, Melbourne, Australia
2009
Monash University. Time, Transcendence, Performance Conference. Panelist, Melbourne, Australia
University of Auckland. Expanding Documentary Conference. Panelist & Convener. Auckland, New Zealand
Massey University. One Day Sculpture Conference. Moderator. Wellington, New Zealand
2007
Govett-Brewster Gallery. Keynote Speaker (for the exhibition Activating Korea). New Plymouth, New Zealand
2006
Danish Cultural Centre. Performance: Design Conference. Invited Panelist. Rome, Italy
Govett-Brewster Gallery. Public Lecture (in conjunction with From Mini-FM to Hacktivists exhibition). New Plymouth, New Zealand
Massey University / New Zealand Film Archive, Expanding Documentary Conference. Co-convener. Wellington, New Zealand
2005
Concordia University, Visible Evidence—XII Conference. Panelist. Montréal, Canada
2004
Massey University / New Zealand Film Archive, Expanding Documentary Conference. Respondent /Co-convener. Wellington New Zealand
Govett-Brewster Gallery. Artist Lecture. New Plymouth, New Zealand
2003
University of Auckland. Poetics of Exile Conference. Panelist. Auckland, New Zealand
Whitecliffe College of Art and Design. Invited Lecturer (Postgraduate Research Seminar). Auckland, New Zealand
Adam Art Gallery - Victoria University. Invited Lecturer (in conjunction with Dirty Pixels exhibition). Wellington, New Zealand
2002
University of Auckland, Documentary Matters Conference. Presenter. Auckland, New Zealand
Articule Gallery. Artist Lecture. Montréal, Canada
2001
Videotage / Sheung Wan Centre. Invited Lecturer. Hong Kong, China
Griffith University. Visible Evidence—IX Conference. Panelist. Brisbane, Australia
Massey University. Video Star Conference. Invited Panelist. Wellington, New Zealand
Adam Art Gallery - Victoria University. Keynote Lecture (in conjunction with Video Star conference), Wellington, NZ
1999
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee - Center for 20th Century Studies. Knowing Mass Culture/Mediating Knowledge Conference. Invited Speaker.
Milwaukee, US. Organized by Lynne Joyrich
College Art Association. CAA Annual Conference. 'Traveling, Traveling: On Distance, Location and Transformations'. Co-chair. Los Angeles, US
1998
College Art Association. CAA Annual Conference, 'Carnal Pleasures: The Public Spaces of Desire'. Panelist. Toronto, Canada. Moderator: Anna Novakov
1997
Columbia College - Interdisciplinary Arts Program. Visiting Artist. Chicago, US
1995
University of Illinois. Invited Artist. Chicago, US
School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Invited Artist. Chicago, US
University of Western Ontario. Invited Artist. London, Ontario, Canada.
Occidental College. Invited Artist. Los Angeles, US
1994
College Art Association. CAA Annual Conference. 'Now You See Me, Now You Don't' Co-chair. New York, US
1993
Art Center. Invited Artist. Pasadena, US
California Institute of the Arts. CALARTS Aflame, Organizing committee. Valencia, US
1991
Society for Photographic Education. SPE Regional Conference, 'The Legislated Body'. Chair & Panelist. Buellton, US
UCLA Film & Television Archives. Pier Paolo Pasolini - Life After Salo' Conference, 'The Ashes of Pasolini', Invited Speaker & Panelist. Los Angeles, US
Moderator: David Pendellton