“

Art history allows me to explore the complexity and vibrancy of humanity
”
Joe Nickols (they/them) has recently completed their MA at SOAS, University of London and specialises in East Asia, with a particular focus on Japan and Korea. Joe’s research primarily explores discourse relating to identity construction, queerness, and gender. Their MA dissertation explored the 1920s Japanese anarchic group Mavo and their transgender performance art as an act of political protest. Joe is currently a regular contributor to the SOAS History Blog and more of their articles can be found there, including discussions of gender regulations in Meiji (1868-1912) and Taisho (1912-1926) Japan. Outside of SOAS, Joe has worked internationally in arts education, lecturing in Japan and Italy on various topics. Additionally, Joe is a freelance curator and works closely with contemporary artists on various projects.
Email: joe@joenickols.com
Instagram: @joenickols
Qualifications
Masters
MA History of Art/Archaeology (East Asia), SOAS University of London, 2020-21.
Bachelors
BA Japanese Language and History of Art/Archaeology (East Asia), SOAS University of London, 2013-17.
Art Foundation
Central Saint Martins, University of Arts London, 2012-13.
Exhibitions
OVERLAY
Owl Store, Harrogate
March 11 - April 9 2022
Routs North: Emerging Northern Talent
Messums North, Harrogate
January 15 - February 19 2022
David Roberts and Modern British Design
Messums North, Harrogate
November 19 2021 - January 8 2022
Contemporary Korean Ceramics: Ree Soo Jong and
Lee Hun-Chung
Messums North, Harrogate
Summer 2021
Writing
Mavo-Ricks: Transgender Transgressions in 1920s Japan
MA Dissertation for SOAS University of London, 2021.
The Disrupt Project: Nikki S. Lee and Transcategorical Identities
Post-graduate Research Journal (SOAS), Issue 14, 2022.
Regulating Bodies: Gender Construction in Japan
SOAS History Blog, June 2022
Queer Baroque: Nikko Mausoleum
SOAS History Blog, February 2022
March 11 - April 9 2022
Laguages
English - Native
Japanese - Fluent (CEFR Level C2)
Korean - Elementary
Italian - Elementary