Demian DinéYazhi: “Strategic Defense Mechanisms,” Artist Talk

A Critical Conversations Event

Project Third (P3): Decolonial Art and Design Pedagogies Present:
“Strategic Defense Mechanisms” with Demian DinéYazhi

Monday, October 21st, 6 – 7.30 pm
MFA Studios at Dock 72 in the Brooklyn Navy Yard️

REGISTRATION REQUIRED for Navy Yard access
Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strategic-defense-mechanisms-tickets-1036964126617?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

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Demian DinéYazhi is an Indigenous Diné transdisciplinary artist born to the clans Naasht’ézhí Tábaahá (Zuni Clan Water’s Edge) and Todich’linii (Bitter Water) living in Portland, OR. DinéYazhi highlights the intersections of Radical Indigenous Queer Feminist ideology while challenging the white noise of contemporary art. Their work refuses colonial and professional etiquette while interrogating the irresponsible state of the Arts Industrial Complex. Their art practice enacts a transdisciplinary strategy through vibrant, radiating neon signs; letterpress posters reimagined from social media posts; self-published books printed collaboratively with BIPOC communities; or endurance performances and sonic collaborations that unsettle remnants of colonial assimilative conditioning that is stored in the body. Working in this manner honors ancestral traditions of Survivance, migration, and revolutionary histories tied to the resiliency of Indigenous, Trans, 2Spirit, and Queer communities. They have recently exhibited their work at the Honolulu Biennial, the Biennale of Sydney, and 2024 Whitney Biennial.

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Project Third (P3): Decolonial Art and Design Pedagogies seeks to introduce decolonial approaches to art and art education based on Indigenous knowledges, local histories, art, and histories of settlement that allow for cross-disciplinary dialogue; led by Indigenous artists, academics, and activists.

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This event is part of Critical Conversations: creating space for and educating one another about our multiple cultural contexts, activism, civil discourse, and academic engagement.