Lisa Homann

A leader in transformative education for the exploration of cultural and artistic expressions, Lisa Homann is an Associate Professor of Art History at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. With a specialization in West African masquerade practices, she brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into the intricate world of masquerade performance and its cultural significance. Homann earned her doctoral degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, where she honed her expertise in art history and cultural studies. Homann's research delves deeply into the nuances of masquerade performance, focusing on innovation and the pivotal role of Islam within these practices. Her current project, "Visibly Muslim," is a groundbreaking study that investigates how specific masquerades serve to identify participants as Muslims, thereby challenging and reshaping societal expectations and perceptions. This work is a testament to her commitment to understanding the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity in cultural expressions. Her scholarly contributions have been widely recognized, with her published works appearing in esteemed journals such as Res, African Arts, and Africa. These publications reflect her dedication to advancing the discourse on African art and its global implications. Additionally, her video documentation of ephemeral masquerades has been acknowledged for its cultural significance and is preserved in the permanent collection of the North Carolina Museum of Art. Beyond her research and publications, Homann actively contributes to the academic community through her role on the editorial board for the journal African Arts at UNC. Her involvement in this capacity underscores her commitment to fostering scholarly dialogue and promoting diverse perspectives within the field of art history. Lisa Homann's work not only enriches the academic landscape but also provides invaluable insights into the cultural and religious dimensions of West African masquerade practices. Her dedication to her field and her innovative approach to research make her a distinguished figure in the study of art history and cultural practices.