About

Alexander Kusztyk (born 1993) is an Art History PhD Candidate at St John's College, University of Cambridge where he is supervised by Dr Frank Salmon.

Education

Alexander received his Bachelor's degree (with High Honors) in the History of Art from the University of California, Berkeley in Spring 2016. Alexander then received his Master of Philosophy in the History of Art and Architecture from St John's College, University of Cambridge in July 2018. His research interests include indeterminacy and dematerialization, geological aesthetics, East Asian visual culture, and global perspectives and material narratives in modern art.

For more information, please view Alexander's full Curriculum Vitae.

Art

Alexander explores and redefines his academic research within his own artistic practice, working primarily with language, film, and found objects to manifest conceptual notions that often require the imagination to complete. Participation is welcomed in Alexander's work and individuals are invited to perform his text-based artworks either physically or mentally. His influences are Yoko Ono and Fluxus.

Alexander's event scores and poetry have been published in a variety of literary and art journals in Cambridge, England. He won awards in the 2022 and 2023 St John's College Student Film, Photography, and Art competitions. His artworks have been exhibited at multiple international galleries.

Hobbies

Alexander was a track and field athlete and competed in sprint races at the university level for Cambridge University. He was the captain of St John's College's squad for Cambridge University Athletics Club in the 2021-22 academic year. He is a visual and performing artist as well. He began studying piano at an early age and has composed for a wide range of instruments including piano, orchestra, and choir. He has composed well over 300 individual pieces including twelve symphonies, ten piano sonatas, and theatrical works.

Alexander is the lead singer, keyboardist, and co-creator of Cardigan Discourse. Formed in 2022 with Damon Kutzin (backing vocals, acoustic guitar), Cardigan Discourse is a rock duo from Cambridge, England with a 'professional whacky' sound somewhere in between 1960s pop and indie folk. Cardigan Discourse released their first single, 'I Love You Chartreuse' on 1 April 2023. The duo performed a full set at the 2023 St John's College May Ball. They also provided keyboard and guitar accompaniments for singer-songwriter Kat Savvas at the May Ball. For more information, please follow Cardigan Discourse on SpotifyYouTube, and Instagram.