Strongman studied art history at the
University of Canterbury, graduating with a master of art's degree in 1991, with a thesis on
Tony Fomison. In 2013 she completed a PhD in art history, with a thesis on
Colin McCahon, at
Victoria University of Wellington. Strongman held the position of deputy director to
Paula Savage at
City Gallery Wellington until her appointment as senior curator at
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu in 2014. In 2019 she was appointed director of curatorial and digital at the
Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney. == References ==