Masterstipendiater 2024

Meet Judith Longoria Gomez, a master's student in Art History at NTNU in Trondheim. Her thesis focuses on documenting the sociohistorical background of a Mexican pre-Columbian sculpture from the Kristen .B. Eik-Nes collection at the Trondheim Kunstmuseum (TKM). This research relies on visual analysis, documentary, and fieldwork across Norway, the United States, and Mexico.

In exploring the sculpture's life, this interdisciplinary study considers its materiality, abilities, and role in human activities and rituals within a specific time and space. An intriguing question examines Eik-Nes' role as a collector. Using newer theoretical frameworks offered by feminist and postcolonial views, this research establishes a dialogue between the sculpture and the collection program, addressing knowledge gaps and ethical challenges concerning sensitive cultural objects in museums and highlighting the relevance of art history in collections management.

Acknowledging the inherent challenges in the study of pre-Columbian art, the research output aims to provide coherence, clarity, and inclusivity to academia and the broader art history community. In this regard, Judith hopes the sculpture will become a window to ancient Mexico accessible to Norwegian audiences and scholars. The information from this thesis will help develop a short documentary in collaboration.

Judith Longoria Gomez is a Mexican-born Norwegian scholar. She has a background in psychology but also has formal and informal education and training in art history and music, which she combined with her six-year voluntary work as a guide at an important museum in Mexico City. In 2023, Judith received a master's degree in science in Counseling for her work in entrepreneurial research using creative approaches and art. She is interested in art history research techniques and methods and how to apply her resources to the management collection. She speaks Spanish, English, and Norwegian fluently.