Cat Dawson

I am an academic, critic and strategist.

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I work at the intersection of the history of art, and feminist, queer and trans studies. My research explores the relationship between culture, technology and the body in art by minoritized artists. My first book, Monumental: How a New Generation of Artists is Shaping the Memorial Landscape, will be published by MIT Press in 2025. My second book, Trans Form, has also been solicited by MIT Press.

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I am currently Visiting Assistant Professor jointly appointed to the departments of  Art History and the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality at Smith College.  

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I am proud to chair the board of Project for Empty Space and to be a Trustee of Sidwell Friends School where I clerk the Quaker Life Committee. I also work with select values-aligned non-profits and early stage start-ups to develop and execute launch and digital strategy.

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When not working I can be found scouring the internet for very specific objects, doing some kind of seasonally appropriate outdoor activity, or traveling.

CAT DAWSON