From 2001 to 2020 their artwork and writing was produced under the name, Thomas John Bacon. From 2020, xe now only uses T. J. Bacon for scholarly articles and publishing. All artwork is produced under the name, tjb.
tjb is a non-binary member of #TeamMDX, based in the Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries and is co-chair of the Middlesex Staff Gender Network.
Xe currently teaches performance art, queer theory, queer phenomenology and industry practices.
Xis main focus is upon novel applications of phenomenology in the study of performance art, specifically body art. Originally informed by the phenomenology of Merleau-Ponty, xis artistic-philosophy has argued for a queer reimagining of Heideggerian thought and the wider application of queer phenomenology in the study and making of performance.
March 2022 see the publication of xis first monograph, An Introduction to the Phenomenology of Performance Art: SELF/s for Intellect, UK and University of Chicago Press, USA.
Xe is currently co-editing with Chelsea Coon a new publication for Taylor & Francis: Routledge on performance art and phenomenology due for release by 2023. And xe is finalising a chapter on dis/ability for the future Routledge Companion to Bodies in Performance.
As Project Researcher and Dissemination Manager, tjb contributes alongside xis collegaue Pedro de Senna, to the three year Future laboratories for professional and personal development – FUTURES (2020-2023). This is a European project which emphasizes the importance of high-quality adaptation skills as the means to support individuals in acquiring and developing key competences. A major part of these transversal competences and “soft skills” is the development of integrated and innovative ways of supporting personal development, resilience, adaptation, and critical thinking. As Futures Literacy (FL) increases individuals’ capacity to ‘use the future(s)’ to explore the present, the project aims to adopt such methodology also to foster professional development. In particular, the project underlines the need to develop skills of young people, for anticipating and promptly reacting to scenario changes, and imagining professional career paths
Dr T. J. Bacon welcomes doctoral applications, especially in performance art, queer phenomenology, curatorial practice, and radical approaches to reimagining scholarly practice. Xe also welcomes enquiries from those wishing to be co-supervised between the departments of Performing Arts, Design and Visual Arts.
tjb is committed to the creative reciprocal exchange between practice and research methodologies. Xe advocates for the development of radical approaches to reimagining scholarly practice, decolonising the curriculum, and ensuring pedagogies that encourage differentiation and wider multidisciplinary engagement. Xe works closely with LET and Peter Thomas as part of this evolving strategy.
Xe is currently an external examiner for UAL and previously The Arden School of Theatre, and University of Highlands and Islands. Xe has also sat on degree reviews within Middlesex University and acted an external reviewer for the validation of a new Foundation pathway at Southampton Solent University and the revalidation of a Masters at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
Dr T. J. Bacon welcomes approaches from external instituions to join panels for validation, examining or reviews of degrees that seek to develop pathways for practice-as-research specialisms.
Xis teaching is distinguished by its range of scope and approach. Working with students covers contemporary and historical performance making, integrating theoretical, philosophical and critical approaches to the study of performance. Xe often explores experimental forms of engagement, expanding upon current industry methodologies and traditional practices through studio praxis.
Specialist teaching interests:
General teaching and learning interests:
Dr T. J. Bacon has supervised and examined a range of research and degree students. Xe accepts enquiries from potential research students considering MPhil or PhD, to discuss proposals for study in performance art, queer phenomenology, curatorial practice, and radical approaches to reimagining scholarly practice. Xe also welcomes enquiries from those wishing to be co-supervised between the departments of Performing Arts, Design and Visual Arts.
THE1003 – Perspectives on Performance (Level 4)
This module introduces contexts of theatre and performance practices, as well as key concepts, theories and methodologies relevant to performance practices and their forms. tjb provides a guest lecture on gender, intersectionality and performance art for this module.
THE2035 – The Solo Performer (Level 5)
This module provides learners the opportunity to experience a range of solo performance practices examined through a consideration of socio-historical and contextual lenses and will be enhanced by an exploration of key practitioners and practices, culminating in their own performance. tjb introduces level 5 students to the history of performance art through praxis, exploring intersectionality through identity.
THE3005 – Theatre Industry: Placement and Portfolio (Level 6)
This module aims to prepare leaners for a career in the creative industries by providing opportunities to engage in a range of externally-facing projects, placements and/or critical investigations into professional practice. tjb's experitise as festival producer and artistic director are shared in this module through lecture and project supervision.
THE3035 – Solo: Performance Art (Level 6)
This specialist module aims to extend learners individual performance practices in performance art. Here they develop practical skills and contextual knowledge, applying appropriate performance theory and/or performance philosophy. Utilising tjb's 20+ years of professional experience in the field of performance art. Xe works with students throughout this module to develop thier visual art history, solo performance art practice, performance philosophy and practice-as-research skills.
Dr T. J. Bacon is an artist-philosopher whose practice, under the name tjb since 2020, extends across performance art and phenomenology. Xe is the founder and artistic director of Tempting Failure, a biennial of international performance art staged in the UK since 2012. Xis practice began in 2001 and has focused on the perception of the body and Being through a multiplicity of Self/s in performance art since 2009.
Dr T. J. Bacon has supervised and examined a range of research and degree students. Xe accepts enquiries from potential research students considering MPhil or PhD, to discuss proposals for study in performance art, queer phenomenology, curatorial practice, and radical approaches to reimagining scholarly practice. Xe also welcomes enquiries from those wishing to be co-supervised between the departments of Performing Arts, Design and Visual Arts.
Bacon, Thomas John (2019) CHTHONIC. [Performance]
Bacon, Thomas John (2018) Psychogenesis series. In: Emergency index: an annual document of performance practice. Gluzman, Yelena and Cleary, Sophia , eds. Emergency Index, 7 . Ugly Duckling Presse, New York, US, pp. 116-117. ISBN 9781946433213
Bacon, Thomas John (2018) Foreword [The furthest point in space is also inside our body]. In: No one thing is the root of all anything: phases and performance of the imminent by Chelsea Coon. Not a Cult, Los Angeles, CA, pp. 1-6. ISBN 9781945649080
Bacon, Thomas John (2018) TF18 - London Biennial of International Performance Art. [Show/Exhibition]
Bacon, Thomas John (2017) Lines in the Landscape Residency 2017 - Sidney Nolan Trust [Blog post]. Sidney Nolan Trust, United Kingdom.
tjb has extensive experience of delivering successfully, large scale projects and drawing both public and private funding, awards, and in-kind support. Each project is completed to a high level, and reported on through extensive data reflection and evaluation. Some of the most recent awards include:
As part of an ERASMUS+ exchange in 2019, tjb taught on the BA Mixed Media degree, in the fine art department of Academy of Arts, University of Novi Sad, Serbia. Here xe shared research into phenomenology and performance art. This exchange held contributions between students at MDX – who internationally represented Italy, Canada, Portugal, and Korea – with students in Serbia. Which aided in the devlopment of workshop exercises to be featured in xis monograph An Introduction to the Phenomenology of Performance Art: SELF/s.
#TeamMDX is an open and welcoming community. We value difference because it allows us to explore new perspectives and experiences, learning more than we ever could alone. tjb is non-binary, identifies as queer and has invisible dis/abilities. We believe this richness of diversity enhances the experience of every MDX student.
tjb is a co-chair of the Gender Network. This is a feminist network that is trans-inclusionary and intersectional. We welcome open space for questions and exploration for learning, but we also encourage people to be truly respectful of others’ experiences and identities too. We support and amplify the voices of women, trans and gender non-conforming people at Middlesex University.
tjb is a member of the Disability Network. This group meets to provide support, share ideas and contribute to the development of relevant practices and projects for the benefit of members of the wider MDX community, primarily, those with a disability, health condition or learning difference. We support the demonstration of respect and of equal rights for everyone.
tjb is a member of the LGBT+ Network. This group celebrate, support, uplift and encourage those who are LGBT+ through sharing stories during LGBT+ History Month, monthly coffee mornings, Womxn and Non-binary People’s Spaces, quizzes and social events. They advocate for the rights of all LGBT+ defining people, including providing training on making MDX trans and non-binary inclusive.
tjb advocates for the intersectionality of dialogues between all of the MDX student liberation groups and the staff equality, diveristy and inclusion networks.
tjb is a member of LGBTNoNHE. The aim of the NoN is to provide opportunities for shared learning and support for networks to upskill their members, build resilience, and form effective relationships with their institutions.
As a member of the Theatre Arts department, tjb has joined xis colleagues in ensuring that our curriculum is commited to being inclusive and decolonised. MDX is proud to be one of the most diverse universities in the UK with four times the average number of Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) students - 37% Asian (compared to 8% national average); 20% Black (compared to 4% nationally).
tjb is a member of Performance Philosophy. This is an international network of researchers, practitioners, scholars and activists engaged in investigating new forms and formats of thinking, philosophising, performing and doing, in, and beyond, the academic, aesthetic and artistic spheres.
tjb is a member of SCUDD. This represents the interests of Drama, Theatre and Performance in the Higher Education sector in the UK. It acts as a mediating body with organisations such as funding councils, the AHRC and the Arts Councils and is consulted by such organisations when matters of future policy are discussed and decided. It is concerned, above all, to promote the multi-disciplined areas of drama, theatre and performance. The SCUDD Executive expresses solidarity with global anti-racist and anti-fascist actions.
tjb is artistic director of Tempting Failure, a member of LAUK. This is one of 30 national venues and organisations, who collectively represent a range of practices and are concerned with all aspects of the development and promotion of the Live Art sector in the UK.