Dr Barbara Leon

Biography

I graduated with a BA (Hons) and MA in History of Art from the University of Oviedo in 2012, followed by an MSc in Research Methods in Humanities from UNED. In 2020, I completed my Ph.D. in History of Art at the University of Oviedo.

In 2016, I joined the University of Aberdeen as a Visiting Student at the Centre for Modern Thought, before transitioning to the Fil, & Visual Culture Department in early 2017. Later that year, I became a Teaching Assistant in Film and Visual Culture within the School of Language, Literature, Music, Film and visual Culture, in 2018, I expanded my teaching to include the Spanish and Latin American Studies Department.

In September 2021, I was appointed as a Teaching Fellow in both Spanish & Latin American Studies and Film & Visual Culture, and by September 2022, I advanced to the position of Lecturer in Film & Visual Culture. As of September 2024, I hold the role of Lecturer in Film, Visual Culture, Spanish, and Latin American Studies,

Prizes and Awards

Students' Union and University of Aberdeen Excellence Awards - Most Creative Assessment (shortlisted nominee)

Principal's Prizes for Research and Engagement - Outstanding Research Awards (nominee)

Award for 'The most useful improvement' Ministry of Innovation, Education and Science (Spanish Government) - 2014

Research Overview

My lines of research correspond to Identities in Postmodern and Contemporary Visual and Popular Culture. I also explore the representations of cultural identities through popular culture images in wider media and visual culture, such as the Eurovision Song Contest and Music Videos

Current Research

I currently focus on Visual Culture, Cultural Identities, and Urban and Media representations. I am exploring the sense of belonging and the relationship between the individual and its representation from the perspective of cultural identities.

I’m working on the representation of cultural identities through media and film narratives. I look at Music Videos and also at other global events such as the Eurovision Song Contest. I am currently developing an analysis of Bad Bunny's music videos as a representation of Puerto Rican Identities

Another research interest is 20th Century Cultural Identities in Spain, looking at different modes of Visual Culture, such as Film, Advertising, Architecture, Paintings, TV, and other sociocultural events. 

Past Research

Previous research has been focused on the aesthetics o the Surrealist movement alongside the photography produced by this group of artists, with special attention to the artist Man Ray. As a result of my MSc, I produced a dissertation titled The surreal erotic image through the photography of Man Ray. 

The use of photography as a method to study Art History and Visual Culture has been key to my current and previous research. Furthermore, my Ph.D. was entitled The study of the city through photography: From Surrealism to Postmodernism.

Knowledge Exchange

(For conferences and symposiums, please see publications)

- Art History Guest Lecture, University of Groningen: Ukrainian Magic: Visual Heritage in the Eurovision Song Contest, 16th September 2024 https://www.rug.nl/research/icog/research/research-centres/artsinsociety/news-and-events-ais/2024-09-16-leon-ukrainian-magic?lang=en 

- Identity and Myth of the Spanish Folklorica in Art and Visual Culture. Art History Research Seminar, University of Aberdeen, 25th of January 2023.

- Spanishness versus Tourism: Identities and representations in Visual Culture. Centre for Modern Languages Research Seminar, University of Aberdeen, 8th February 2023

- Methods of Research and the Masterpiece: from History of Art to Visual Culture. 17th October 2018. University of Aberdeen

- Coordinator of the Seminar "Restoration and sculpted bodies. how our perception has changed over time". 10th October 2018. University of Aberdeen

- Amnesiac Spaces and Ephemeral Aesthetics: Postmodern Cities. (Film and Visual Culture Research Seminar Series, University of Aberdeen) 15th March

Collaborations

University of Oviedo (Spain)

University of Groningen (The Netherlands)

Funding and Grants

Conference Travel Grant - University of Oviedo, 2015

EU Fund Postindustrial Development - University Access (Fees and Support) 2007-2012

EU Fund Postindustrial Development - English Language Studies in England (Fees, Accommodation, and Support)  2009-2012

Teaching Responsibilities

Coordination Fall 2024/2025

FS1008 Introduction to Visual Culture

SP30SD, SP40SD From Cultural Dictatorship to Almodovar Sexualities: Gender Narratives in Spanish Cinema

SP40A5 Spanish Language 7

Teaching Fall 2024/2025

FS1008 Introduction to Visual Culture

FS30SD/40SD Cinematic Cities

SP30SD/SP40SD From Cultural Dictatorship to Almodovar Sexualities: Gender Narratives in Spanish Cinema

SP40A5 Spanish Language 7

Non-course Teaching Responsibilities

Film & Visual Culture

Library Rep

Spanish and Latin American Studies Department

Library/bookstore Rep

Incoming Erasmus Coordinator

Website Coordinator