Lara Abu Dahab

Home country: Jordan
Subject of study: MLitt Art History
Year of graduation: 2024
Type/Level of study: Postgraduate

I chose St Andrews for its renowned Art History programme, its position as one of the top-ranked universities in the UK, and the chance to explore Scotland’s rich culture and landscapes. The academic environment and close-knit community felt like the perfect place to grow intellectually and creatively.

I loved the variety of classes, from ethical collecting and sustainable museology to art history in the studio. Exploring different methods, tools, and approaches gave me a broad and dynamic understanding of the field.

After graduating, I led a research project expanding upon my MLitt dissertation, in collaboration with NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Florence on decolonising museum collections. I later joined Christie’s London as a graduate intern, and I now work there permanently as a sale coordinator for modern and contemporary Middle Eastern art.

As a Jordanian, I feel a strong responsibility to highlight art and artists from the Middle East and Africa. This passion led me to focus on ethical museology and decolonial practices. At Christie’s, I not only work closely with remarkable art and auctions, as part of the Middle East team, but also contribute to impactful projects like the summer exhibition, Marwan: A Soul in Exile, gaining experience in logistics, curation, and public engagement.

Make the most of your time at St Andrews by exploring the town, spending time with friends, making full use of the libraries, and enjoying the beaches. Most importantly, take the time to find your niche. Identify the subject or area that genuinely interests you and pursue it with focus and depth. A clear sense of purpose and passion will guide both your academic and personal growth.