Patricia Piccinini appointed professor at RMIT School of Art

Australian artist Patricia Piccinini has been appointed professor of practice at RMIT School of Art. This new role involves teaching and research, focusing on societal issues like the climate emergency through the Planetary Civics Inquiry initiative. Piccinini's art features human-animal hybrids, exploring themes of connection and the divide between nature and humanity. Her work aims to challenge perceptions of difference and the impact of human actions on the natural world. Her appointment comes amid controversy in the Australian arts scene, following the removal of Khaled Sabsabi as the representative for the 2026 Venice Biennale. Piccinini and other artists have called for his reinstatement, highlighting the need for support in addressing difficult topics through art.