MA in Art History

Irena Dragaš Jansen, 2024

How did you choose your specific area of study?
Art history synthesizes into one field of study my various interests: literature, visual arts, history, writing, critical thinking, spirituality, teaching, and helping my community. All my academic and creative projects connect art and art history to its relevance for our lives and human experiences. I am especially interested in producing programs that engage the general public. For example, I have done multiple interactive art installations to deal with post-war reconciliation efforts and trauma healing. My recent research involved creating a series of visual essays on the historical and social impact of crocheting. I am particularly interested in and passionate about curating exhibitions and interactive installations.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you? 
Mason is a place of academic excellence with stellar art history professors, a school that welcomes an international and diverse student body, and an institution that encourages its students’ efforts to care for their community.

Art history is one of those extraordinary fields of study that can stand on its own because it is so complex and integrated, but it also artfully blends with other practical efforts that strive to understand, enrich, and heal our various human experiences. The skills gained through the study of art history are applicable to almost any field but also offer a plethora of art history-specific job opportunities. My academic experience in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences has equipped me to engage in a new career path and provided a rich personal journey. Studying art history has inspired my own creative efforts.

Which accomplishments during your time at Mason are you most proud of?
Getting my second BA and now my MA in a foreign language was a great way to celebrate turning 50! That is an accomplishment worth celebrating! Being better equipped and even more inspired to continue community service through my creative efforts after 4.5 years of academic efforts at Mason is another celebration-worthy accomplishment. My Mason experience has deepened my love of art, educated me about art history, equipped me to better serve my community, and opened my eyes to new and different possibilities of using my degree to further develop our society. There are academic and professional accomplishments that happened along the way, but they are all in service of a greater goal, so I don't need to list them all here now.

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?
All the art history professors have been wonderful during my BA and MA studies. They welcomed me and my unique life story; respected my academic interests and choices; expertly guided and directed my studies; and championed my writing, projects, and efforts. Their knowledge and expertise are superb. Their care and friendliness are evident. Rather than highlighting a single professor, I would like to spotlight the whole art history department. It is a true gem within the Mason community.

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?
Be open to the ways in which the study of art history will surprise you! Take a variety of classes, not just the ones that are in your field or comfort zone. Meet with the professors and learn from their experience and expertise. All the art history professors at Mason have been wonderful and each one has a unique approach to art history and careers in art history.

Embrace every class and every assignment as an opportunity to connect it to your personal story and creative or professional efforts. For example, an essay I wrote for an art history class gave me an opportunity to process a very personal war story. I also created a project for one of the classes which I plan to further develop after graduation. The class and the project provided valuable insight into researching material culture and creating art history projects for the general public using digital media.

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?
It is my desire to connect my cross-cultural and war experience with my love of art and education in art history and continue producing programs that help my community. These will include what I have done thus far: writing, webinars, interactive art installations, small-group work, programs for non-governmental organizations, trauma healing materials, and volunteering at local and international community outreaches. I am also open to other avenues, which I might not have considered before, like curatorial work in galleries and museums. My exposure to various practical applications of my art history degree and knowledge through my education here at Mason has been pivotal and inspirational and I am thankful for my Mason experience. It has deepened my love of art, educated me about art history, equipped me to better serve my community, and opened my eyes to new and different possibilities of using my degree to further develop our society.