Christian Ernsten (C.)
I am an Assistant Professor in Critical Heritage Studies and Program Director of the Research Master Cultures of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST). I studied at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands (MA) and at the University of Cape Town in South Africa (MPhil, PhD).
My research examines how conservation and design traditions become contested as they continue to shape landscapes and environments. A defining characteristic of my research practice is walking. Also, I enjoy working in close collaboration with arts and heritage organisations.
I teach and conduct research in heritage studies, environmental humanities, and contemporary archaeology. I am particularly interested in the ethical and methodological questions that arise when heritage intersects with issues such as coloniality, the climate crisis, and environmental pollution.
At the core of my work lies an interest in the tension between how our body and how our mind know the world surrounding us, and ourselves in the midst of it.
Expertises
- Landscapes
- Circularity
- Toxicity
- Coloniality
Career history
In addition to my role as a assistant professor, I also serve as UM Theme Coordinator for the SSH sector plan themes ‘Cultural Heritage and Identity’ and ‘Languages and Cultures’ (humanities) and Board member of the Huizinga Institute.
Before joining Maastricht University, I worked as lecturer in Cultural Heritage and Museology at the Reinwardt Academy of the Amsterdam University of Arts.
In a previous life, I directed the Amsterdam-based design and action collective Partizan Publik, as well as the Amsterdam 4 and 5 May committee, the organization that coordinates the WWII commemorative events in the city of Amsterdam. I also worked as an editor at Volume magazine, a quarterly for architecture and visual culture founded by Rem Koolhaas.