Kenneth John Hartvigsen
1) What have you been doing since you graduated from BU?
From 2016 to 2022, I was the Curator of American Art at the BYU Museum of Art in Provo Utah. One of my proudest moments was bringing large-scale works by Jean-Michel Basquiat and Anselm Kiefer (along with others) to campus for one of my final exhibitions. In 2023 I joined the Art History faculty at BYU, where I am teaching Modern Art, American Art, and Theory/Methodology. I recently celebrated the publication of my co-edited volume, “Illustrated Sheet Music in the US: 1830–1930.”
2) How your time in the department shaped your professional and personal lives?
I can’t say enough about how my time at BU prepared me to be where I am today. Apart from the rigorous education, I am most grateful for the department’s example of collegial support. Academia can be competitive, but it can also be, and should be, creative, productive, and collaborative. BU instilled that sense in me and I strive to live up to the example.
3) Any advice that you would’ve given to your younger self?
Be open to any path and keep your interests broad. Specializing does not mean becoming short-sighted, and you will set yourself apart through the unexpected connections that only you will see.