Associate Professor Richard Bullen

Supervising research that bridges cultures, histories, and ideas through visual and material culture

“Supervising a PhD is a shared journey. I’m here to guide, challenge, and support you as you grow into a confident, independent researcher contributing new knowledge to the world.”

A supervisor who inspires deep engagement with art and culture
Associate Professor Richard Bullen is an expert in art history with a particular focus on cultural exchange—especially between East Asia and the West—and the role of art in shaping identity, belief, and power. What sets him apart is not only his deep subject knowledge but his enthusiasm for working closely with students as they discover their own voice and research direction.

“I love my own area, and I love seeing other people love it too—helping others grow their understanding and passion for the field is a real privilege.”

He is committed to fostering intellectual curiosity and scholarly independence in those he supervises, encouraging students to make bold, original contributions to their discipline.

A collaborative and writing-focused supervision style
Richard believes that writing is not only a tool of communication, but a core part of the creative process in research.

“I think the best approach to a PhD is to start researching and writing from the start. You really need to test your ideas by writing them down.”

His supervision approach is highly collaborative, based on regular, meaningful conversations. Students write early and often, receiving detailed, constructive feedback that helps them refine their thinking and develop a strong scholarly voice.

“We meet regularly, and just through that constant interaction, students are producing better and better work. It’s the best way to achieve consistently improving results.”

Support that balances academic rigour with empathy
Known for his respectful and encouraging manner, Richard creates a supportive space that acknowledges both the high standards of doctoral research and the emotional demands it can place on students.

“A PhD is a long journey—it’s difficult. We expect high standards, and it’s not always an easy ride. My role is to recognise when it’s tough and help students gently through those periods.”

He brings patience, experience, and thoughtful direction to help students stay focused, motivated, and well-supported throughout their candidature.

A thriving academic environment at UC
Richard is proud of the culture within the Faculty of Arts, where staff and students enjoy the best of both worlds—a vibrant research environment in a medium-sized university where people know and care about each other.

“We’re not so big that people become alienated, and not so small that we lack world-class facilities. It’s a very human and highly supportive environment.”

From well-equipped libraries and study spaces to personalised academic support, UC provides a solid foundation for focused, high-quality research.

Preparing students for academic and professional success
Richard has supervised students who have gone on to publish their work, teach at the university level, and take on leadership roles in the arts and heritage sectors. He sees his role as helping students not just complete a thesis, but become confident contributors to their academic fields.

“Some of my students are now producing their own published research—pushing the boundaries of the field. Others are teaching in universities, inspiring the next generation. That’s a great thing to see.”

He also actively encourages students to participate in conferences and research communities, helping them make the most of their postgraduate journey.

Why choose UC and Christchurch?
Richard believes the University of Canterbury offers the perfect setting for deep, focused research, supported by a healthy and inspiring lifestyle.

“New Zealand is a great place to study. It’s safe, it has a healthy outdoors culture, and my PhD students from abroad often fall in love with the environment.”

Christchurch, he adds, strikes an ideal balance.

“It’s big enough to have plenty going on, but small enough to be easy to get around. It’s a great city for students—it’s safe, it’s beautiful, and the access to nature is outstanding.”

Open to supervising students in

• Japanese art and aesthetics
• Cultural exchange between East Asia and the West
• Visual and material culture
• Museum and exhibition studies
• Art historiography
• Art made by detained populations in wartime