Our diverse faculty, students, and staff are committed to ongoing engagement with communities locally and globally
Department Leadership
![Brianne Cohen](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/cohen_image_1.jpg?itok=T0Di3VfC)
Brianne Cohen
Assistant Professor, Contemporary Art • Associate Chair for Art History
Art History
![Kim Dickey](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2018-07-19_at_2.16.20_pm.png?itok=M4xRfUGf)
Kim Dickey
Professor • Associate Chair for Arts Practices
Ceramics
![Graham Oddie](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/web-2789.jpeg?itok=tSKmodlx)
Graham Oddie
Chair, Department of Art & Art History
Art History Faculty
![Albert Alhadeff](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2018-07-19_at_1.01.33_pm_0.png?itok=iLBJ4q9r)
Albert Alhadeff
Associate Professor • 19th & 20th Century European Art History
Art History
![Kirk Ambrose](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2018-07-12_at_6.32.38_pm.png?itok=o3WZii8f)
Kirk Ambrose
Professor, Art History • Late Antique & Medieval Art • Founding Director, Center for Teaching and Learning
Art History
![Christine Bachman](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/bachman_headshot.jpeg?itok=ycuqmTVF)
Christine Bachman
Lecturer
Art History
![Brianne Cohen](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/cohen_image_1.jpg?itok=T0Di3VfC)
Brianne Cohen
Assistant Professor, Contemporary Art • Associate Chair for Art History
Art History
![James Cordova](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/img_1774.jpg?itok=kbdRoRdm)
James M. Córdova, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Art History, Latin American Art (Pre-Columbian & Colonial)
Art History
![Annette de Stecher](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/annette_de_stecher23.jpg?itok=YLJvKqP_)
Annette de Stecher
Associate Professor, Critical Museology, Visual Arts of America
Art History
![Bob Nauman](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2019-04-23_at_3.22.08_pm.png?itok=tKpxgg_c)
Robert Nauman
Teaching Professor of Distinction • Modern Art & Architectural History
Art History
![cam nelson](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/cam-nelson_headshot.jpg?itok=8tK4JHki)
crystal am nelson
Assistant Professor of African Diasporic/Visual Studies
Art History
![Stephanie Su](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/su_uffizi_gallery.jpg?itok=3Fn_WgyS)
Stephanie Su
Assistant Professor • History of Asian Art
Art History
Art Practices Faculty
![Mark Amerika](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/20180502_0447_0.jpg?itok=8LxuvibB)
Mark Amerika
College Professor of Distinction • Founding Director, Doctoral Program in Intermedia Art, Writing and Performance • Digital Arts
![Scott Chamberlin](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2018-07-19_at_1.57.50_pm.png?itok=6gHyBQ08)
Scott Chamberlin
Professor
Ceramics
![Albert Chong](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2018-07-19_at_2.06.02_pm.png?itok=2fvPRzDJ)
Albert Chong
Professor
Interdisciplinary Media Arts Practices (IMAP)
![Kim Dickey](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2018-07-19_at_2.16.20_pm.png?itok=M4xRfUGf)
Kim Dickey
Professor • Associate Chair for Arts Practices
Ceramics
![Molly Valentine Dierks](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/957e2cfc-7eec-4d08-802a-190c5c940ab2.jpeg?itok=29qu0R1k)
Molly Valentine Dierks
Assistant Teaching Professor, Foundations
Foundations
![alvin gregorio](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/alvin_gregorio_photo.jpg?itok=EWGd7xYk)
Alvin Gregorio
Associate Professor
Painting & Drawing
![Marina Kassianidou](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2018-07-19_at_12.53.22_pm.png?itok=n-G7N78i)
Marina Kassianidou
Assistant Professor
Painting & Drawing
![Jeanne Liotta](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/me_vigna_crop_1.jpg?itok=Nmh7359_)
Jeanne Liotta
Associate Professor, Cinema Studies & Moving Image Arts • Associate Chair, Graduate Studies, Film
Filmmaking
![Megan O'Grady](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/thumbnail_megan_bio_photo.jpg?itok=3M9uix3D)
Megan O'Grady
Assistant Professor, Critical and Curatorial Studies
![Jeanne Quinn](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/jeanne_quinn18.jpeg?itok=OJFif59K)
Jeanne Quinn
Professor
Ceramics
![yumi roth](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2018-07-12_at_3.02.02_pm.png?itok=4GJpZwl1)
Yumi Janairo Roth
Professor
Sculpture & Post-Studio Practice
![Martha Russo](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/martha_russo_2.jpg?itok=oy8ZvhqS)
Martha Russo
Lecturer
![richard saxton](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/thumbnail_saxton_19_bio_copy.jpg?itok=LxJ4Y0QW)
Richard Saxton
Associate Professor
Sculpture & Post-Studio Practice
![hanna rose shell](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2018-07-19_at_2.28.44_pm.png?itok=F8h1bNr6)
Hanna Rose Shell
Associate Professor • Critical & Curatorial Studies, Art Practices • Cinema Studies & Moving Image Arts • Director of the Stan Brakhage Center for the Media Arts • Faculty Affiliate in History • Faculty Affiliate in Intermedia Art, Writing and Performance (IAWP)
![Alex Sweetman](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2018-07-19_at_2.34.31_pm.png?itok=GnN9OdY4)
Alex Sweetman
Associate Professor • Photography
Interdisciplinary Media Arts Practices (IMAP)
![Anna Tsouhlarakis](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/anna_studio_portrait.jpg?itok=a2k_nW2U)
Anna Tsouhlarakis
Assistant Professor
Foundations
![Luis Valdovino](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2018-07-19_at_2.38.40_pm.png?itok=yjBWbF52)
Luis Valdovino
Professor • Video
Interdisciplinary Media Arts Practices (IMAP)
![Mike Womack](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2018-07-19_at_12.58.19_pm.png?itok=UmPxALIw)
Mike Womack
Associate Professor
Painting & Drawing
![Melanie Yazzie](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2018-07-19_at_2.44.52_pm.png?itok=y1ty0Mrc)
Melanie Yazzie
Professor
Printmaking
Emeritus Faculty
![Marilyn R. Brown](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/marliyn2.jpg?itok=rDl3LelU)
Marilyn R. Brown
Professor Emerita
![Claire Farago](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/thumbnail_farago_cu_website_photo2023.jpg?itok=DDOzto9o)
Claire Farago
Professor Emerita
![Deborah Haynes](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/thumbnail_deborahhaynes092918-191-edit.jpg?itok=ealtFT3z)
Deborah Haynes
Professor Emerita
![George Rivera](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2018-07-19_at_2.23.40_pm.png?itok=M9ClqJLq)
George Rivera
Professor Emeritus
![C.Maxx Stevens](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2018-07-19_at_2.31.51_pm.png?itok=7IcqlMD0)
C.Maxx Stevens
Professor Emerita
![Melanie Walker](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2018-07-19_at_2.41.28_pm.png?itok=KdGP-7Sn)
Melanie Walker
Professor Emerita
Faculty News
Eyeing environmental issues through a camera lens
For Brianne Cohen, assistant professor of contemporary art history at the University of Colorado Boulder, art is much more than an aesthetic: It can offer powerful commentary on the issues of the day and galvanize public opinion. "There is a question of compassion fatigue. If we’re barraged with all these images of atrocity and war and so forth, can we actually move as a public to effect change? So, that’s the big question for me. Can they do that? I think that (the images) can.” Read more
How art can mobilize ‘preventive publics’ against barbarism
In her upcoming book, "Don't Look Away: Art, Nonviolence, and Preventive Publics in Contemporary Europe" (Duke University Press, May 2023) University of Colorado Boulder Assistant Professor of Art and Art History Brianne Cohen delves deeply into the role that art can play in creating public commitment to curbing structural violence in Europe. Read more
AAUW awards grants, fellowships to four CU Boulder scholars
The funding will allow the scholars to pursue projects related to artists documenting ecological devastation in Southeast Asia and geopolitics in Iran, as well as for career development. Brianne Cohen, the recipient of the American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship, who researches art history and criticism. AAUW awarded Cohen funds for her project, titled: The Emphatic Lens: Contemporary Art, Ecology and Kinship in Southeast Asia. Read more
'We are coming' highlights Filipinos in the American West
Professors’ conceptual art shines spotlight on those who existed at the margins of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West shows Read more
Art scholar wants to make CU Boulder stand out in African diasporic studies
For cam nelson, a new assistant professor of art history at the University of Colorado Boulder who is comfortable with both she/her and they/them pronouns, it’s important that their work, rather than their persona, take center stage. Read more
Receptacles of Memory
Lara Mashayekh speaks with artist Albert Chong and scholar Marci Kwon about the role of the archive and mysticism, their lived experiences as professionals in the art world, and their forthcoming endeavors. Read more
Staff
![Portrait of Evan Blackstock](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2018-07-20_at_10.59.55_am.png?itok=VuSAlmY8)
Evan Blackstock
Metal Shop & CNC Lab Coordinator
![Portrait of Michelle Erks](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2018-07-20_at_11.04.13_am.png?itok=KVX55U8Z)
Michelle Erks
Office Manager
![Portrait of Jean Goldstein](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2018-07-20_at_11.08.15_am.png?itok=9b3G8Cnb)
Jean Goldstein
Administrative Assistant
![Katie Larson](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/download_2.png?itok=IRQBHO22)
Katie Larson
Graduate Program Coordinator
![Sarah Matsuda](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/profiles/express/modules/features/people_content_type/images/avatar320.jpg)
Sarah Matsuda
Advisor • Art & Art History; Film Advisor
![Elaine Paul](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/profiles/express/modules/features/people_content_type/images/avatar320.jpg)
Elaine Paul
Director, VRC
![Lia Pileggi](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2019-11-02_at_12.19.29_pm.png?itok=hQKwSD3A)
Lia Pileggi
Digital Imaging and Technology Coordinator, VRC
![William Rumley holding a guitar](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2018-07-20_at_10.51.23_am.png?itok=ds2T1dod)
William Rumley
Shop Supervisor • Building Proctor
![Jason Sanford](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/jasoninstringscropsquare.jpeg?itok=hj6glMqk)
Jason Sanford
Painting, Drawing, and Digital Studio Technician
![Rick Seydel](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/rick_seydel_-_new_.jpg?itok=m-BMVUa-)
Rick Seydel
Advisor • Art & Art History; Classics; Humanities; Philosophy Advisor
![Kirsten Stoltz](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/soltz_k_headshot.jpg?itok=reFbrtVt)
Kirsten Stoltz
Visiting Artists & Scholars Program, Coordinator • Marketing Manager
![Portrait of Mishung Suh](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2018-07-20_at_10.56.05_am.png?itok=JY-of1xy)
Misuhng Suh
Ceramics, Foundations, Sculpture Lab Coordinator
![Thomas Yi](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/profiles/express/modules/features/people_content_type/images/avatar320.jpg)
Thomas Yi
IMAP Coordinator • Print Lab Manager
Current Graduate Students
![Dati Alsaedi](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/headshot_1.jpg?itok=WCQQqIxM)
Dati Alsaedi
Sculpture & Post-Studio Practice
![Brittany Ashley](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/brittanyashley_headshot.jpg?itok=yIstCK-W)
Brittany Ashley
Art History
![Brianna Autin](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/img_8542.jpeg?itok=5jbh0aCR)
Brianna Autin
Interdisciplinary Media Arts Practices (IMAP)
![Ana González Barragán](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/profiles/express/modules/features/people_content_type/images/avatar320.jpg)
Ana González Barragán
Sculpture & Post-Studio Practice
![Abi Bernstein](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2023-08-07_at_9.54.14_am.png?itok=UmfebZH2)
Abi Bernstein
Ceramics
![Kat Bertram](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/kat_bio_pic.jpg?itok=_kAUNz05)
Kat Bertram
Art History
![Tiana headshot](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/boisseaupalo_tiana_headshot_hires.jpg?itok=VoQISFKc)
Tiana Boisseau-Palo
Printmaking
![Joseph Benjamin Burney](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/thumbnail_mg_3295_copy.jpg?itok=oVLB9C_K)
Joseph Benjamin Burney
Interdisciplinary Media Arts Practices (IMAP)
![Andrea Caretto](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/img_3148_original.jpg?itok=RyvAxPcA)
Andrea Caretto
Painting & Drawing
![Ethan Cherry](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/cherry_headshot.jpg?itok=KOZkP2Y2)
Ethan Cherry
Painting & Drawing
![Annaliese Cole-Weiss](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2023-08-07_at_10.04.29_am.png?itok=Ktn-wuJD)
Annaliese Cole-Weiss
Ceramics
![Kristin Enright](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2019-09-10_at_3.40.54_pm.png?itok=IglRofLb)
Kristin Enright
Ph.D. Arts of the Americas
Art History
![Noa Fodrie](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/img_1320.jpeg?itok=B4fH9AFz)
Noa Fodrie
Painting & Drawing
![Brionna Garcia](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/brionna_garcia_headshot.jpeg?itok=OsnvzSqr)
Brionna Garcia
Painting & Drawing
![Natalie Ginez](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2023-08-14_at_9.47.50_am.png?itok=M5buK6Hk)
Natalie Ginez
Art History
![Anna Graef](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2022-08-18_at_12.04.52_pm.png?itok=kUepuJoC)
Anna Graef
Ceramics
![Sierra Grove](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/grove.headshot.jpg?itok=l-8WBfka)
Sierra Grove
Filmmaking
![Sam Hensley](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/hensley_headshot_0.jpg?itok=3aJ_n6-9)
Sam Hensley
Art History
![Cesar Herrejon](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/headshot.png?itok=DroaKnXU)
Cesar Herrejon
Painting & Drawing
![Lauren Hooten](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2020-08-03_at_3.40.58_pm.png?itok=MrK0Z_5s)
Lauren Hooten
Ph.D. Arts of the Americas
Art History
![Erin Hyunhee Kang](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/thumbnail_image1.jpg?itok=eIZhtrOH)
Erin Hyunhee Kang
Painting & Drawing
![Asa Mease](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/asamease_photo.jpg?itok=gOd60oT6)
Asa Mease
Sculpture & Post-Studio Practice
![Owen Moon](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/img_6737.jpg?itok=y0la2Q19)
Owen Moon
Ceramics
![Aunna Moriarty](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/headshot_moriarty_for_web.jpg?itok=KneyGgS3)
Aunna Moriarty
Interdisciplinary Media Arts Practices (IMAP)
![Emily Moyer](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/moyer.headshot.jpg?itok=jnrcA9Ep)
Emily Moyer
Printmaking
![Andi Newberry](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/newberryheadshot_0.jpg?itok=EAJw_Icn)
Andi Newberry
Printmaking
![Cody Norton](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2022-08-16_at_4.13.09_pm.png?itok=Mq-Q39ti)
Cody Norton
Sculpture & Post-Studio Practice
![Nicky Pope](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/img_5108.jpg?itok=iz-BvenR)
Nicky Pope
Filmmaking
![Mahda Purmehdi](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/headshot_2.jpg?itok=V98nP6Q5)
Mahda Purmehdi
Filmmaking
![Hannah Purvis](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/1d6a596a-287e-4278-ad54-a0938f4492ee_1_105_c.jpg?itok=etQ30SHw)
Hannah Purvis
Painting & Drawing
![Alejandra Saldivar](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/cu_website_3_2.jpg?itok=N_dCNyDK)
Alejandra Saldivar
Filmmaking
![Taite Shomo](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/screen_shot_2023-08-07_at_11.38.22_am.png?itok=6gPTAajs)
Taite Shomo
Art History
![Natalie Thedford](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/natalieportrait2.jpg?itok=PD9waqyo)
Natalie Thedford
Ceramics
![Dani Wasserman](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/wasserman_head_shot.png?itok=R8RpktTR)
Dani Wasserman
Filmmaking
![Elisa Wolcott](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/headshot_elisa_wolcott.jpg?itok=VRSV0LcU)
Elisa Wolcott
Ceramics
![Ryze Xu](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/ryze_head.jpeg?itok=rXNbAybf)
Ryze Xu
Ceramics
![Cal Young](https://www.colorado.edu/artandarthistory/sites/default/files/styles/large_square_thumbnail/public/people/website_headshot_cy.jpg?itok=GwGIFUpe)
Cal Young
Filmmaking