Astrid Kensinger
Chair of Graphic Design at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar)
Astrid Kensinger is the chair of Graphic Design at VCUarts Qatar. Astrid interweaves information visualization, cartographic performance and performance art with graphic design to visually articulate site-specific narratives, intangible heritage, contemporary issues and the map as art.
Astrid has pursued her art and design practice internationally, spending much time in Japan, Singapore, Australia and the USA. Her most recent multidisciplinary research collaborations have included facilitating, through co-design, Dengue fever outbreak solutions (Skoll Foundation, Epihack Colombo, Sri Lanka), visualizing the research methodologies of linguists mapping and preserving endangered languages of South East (DIHA: Digital Intangible Heritage of Asia) and mapping ancient language migration in South East Asia with Archaeologists.
Astrid’s Industry experience as a designer includes being Media & Design Manager for the American Chamber of Commerce in Tokyo, Japan, as well as the Art Director for the American Club in Japan. She has freelanced as a designer, creating identity systems for sustainability in Singapore, political organizations in Europe, arts festivals in America, and web reporting music festivals in Japan. Much of her industry work has revolved around events, governmental policies, sustainability and/or cultural heritage.
Prior to becoming Chair of Graphic Design at VCUarts Qatar in 2020, Astrid taught at Queensland University of Technology in Interactive and Visual Communication.