James Ramsey

Associate Professor

Liberal Studies

BA, Vanderbilt University
MA, Ph.D., Tulane University

James Ramsey is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Vanderbilt University, where he majored in Art History. As a Samuel K. Kress Fellow at Tulane University, he specialize in Latin American art under Donald Robertson, a pioneer in the field. Ramsey’s analysis of the ancient art of southern Mexico has been recognized as a significant contribution. His research has resulted in exhibition catalogues on African art, Pre-Columbian art, and Mexican folk art.

Recently Ramsey has concentrated on the connection between health and space in the work of early 20th century designers like Irving Gill in southern California. Recognizing the importance of Memphis in the 1950s, Ramsey is presently involved in a three-part study of major monuments of mid-century design in the Midsouth.

James Ramsey has served on the Board of the Southeastern College Art Conference and acted as local host of the 1991 meeting in Memphis. He has been Tennessee rep on the Board of the Society of Architectural Historians, Southeast Chapter, of which he is a charter member.

Ramsey has given public lectures on topics ranging from Diego Rivera’s murals at Chapingo to MCA’s prize-winning Rust Hall. He loves teaching the history of art and design and regularly offers courses like First People (ancient to modern Mexico), Modern Architecture I-II, Baroque Art, Art and Architecture, Art and Design: the 1950s, and Art History Survey I-II.

ramsey@mca.edu  / 901-272-5110


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