B.A., University of Iowa
M.A., Tulane University
Ph.D., Indiana University
Specialization
Africa and the African Diaspora
Heather Shirey's primary area of research is in Brazil, with a specific focus on art, politics and identity construction in the African-Brazilian religion Candomblé. Her current research projects involve a comparative study of the position of material culture in identity politics and spiritual practices in Africa and the African Diaspora.
Recent research presentations
College Art Association Annual Conference, "Defining the Diaspora; Appropriating Public Spaces in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil" on the panel "(Re)Claiming Africa in the Diaspora," Paper presentation and Panel Co-Chair, Dallas, February 2008.
International Conference on Afro-Hispanic Studies Across the Disciplines, "Understanding Religious Juxtapositions Through Material Culture: Candomblé, Santeria and Vodou Altars in a Cross-Cultural Perspective," Paper presentation, Accra, Ghana, August 2007.
Arts Council of the African Studies Association 14th Triennial Conference, "(Re)Claiming Africa in the Diaspora," Chair and discussant, Gainesville, March 2007.
College Art Association Annual Conference, "Idols on Altars and Idols in the Closet: Syncretism and Art in African-Brazilian Candomblé," Poster session, Boston, February 2006.
College Art Association Annual Conference, "Seeing Slavery," Session Chair, Atlanta, February 2005.
Recent publications
"Review of Santeria Enthroned: Art, Ritual, and Innovation in an Afro-Cuban Religion by David H. Brown and The Yoruba Diaspora in the Atlantic World edited by Toyin Falola and Matt D. Childs." African Arts, Winter 2007. V. 40, n. 4, 93-95.
Recent grants and awards
Research Assistance Grant, awarded by the University of St. Thomas Faculty Development Center for research in Brazil in January 2008.
The Textile Society of America Fellowship for Young Professionals, awarded for travel and research in Ghana in January 2005.
Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship, awarded for dissertation research in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, December 2000-December 2001.
