2:00–3:30pm
Bill McBride Studio
Matfield Green, KS

Join us for an enriching afternoon of writing & discussion with artist Alex DeRoin. We’ll be exploring the notion of the US (and Matfield Green) as a “land of milk and honey”, as well as Alex’s unique methodology of “Landadaism”. Participants should bring with them a journal or preferred writing materials, as well as materials for cutting & collaging text (i.e. old magazines, newspapers, etc). 

This program will take place at Bill McBride’s studio, which is a private residence just north of Matfield Station (658 KS Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS).

**Please note that Highway K-177 is closed for construction between Council Grove & Strong City. Check detour routes and travel times.

From Alex:

“LAN𐓈𐒰͘.𐓈𐒰ISM is the Death Doula to a dying system built off dispossession. That “Yes Ands—“ the European Dada movement’s views on “paradise” and “capitalism”. By focusing through a lens of profound self preservation. Which erodes the borders of “us” and “them” to build kin, not Kingdoms. LAN𐓈𐒰͘𐓈𐒰 treats the colonial concepts of paradise as a hollow illusion. While the latter is seen as a destructive dehumanizing force, that is to be decomposed for new growth.

The foreign empire known as the United State’s aka “The Land of Milk and Honey”. Was and still is a refuge for anyone who has a new vision. While simultaneously operating at devastating costs to indigenous peoples across turtle island. This empire was built on a the duality of promising a new vision for some. While systematically dispossessing indigenous populations from their cultures to fulfill that vision. This is why diversity, equity, and inclusion feels like an attack for those who benefit from its erasure the most. Because this type of set up, super imposes “radicalism” onto people who needs diversity to survive.

So this piece is a reminder to all of us. That this is an ongoing spiritual journey, of asking how do we show up for ourselves. So that we show up for one another?—

These systems connect us all, and only acts of radical cross-pollination to usher in DEI. Can truly provide the practical support to the end-of-life process of capitalism. Dying is the longest action verb, and we can all take this time. To help ease the transition from our dying systems, empires, and worldviews to whatever comes next.”

Alex DeRoin is a Two Spirit artist and poet of Osage, Otoe, Pawnee, Blackfeet, and Ioway descent, born into the Hominy District of the Osage Reservation. As a community builder and activist, Alex champions the intersectional struggles of marginalized communities, notably through their work with the Tulsa Two Spirit Society and several other organizations. They are the pioneer of Lan𐓈𐒰𐓈𐒰 (Landadaism), a small art movement blending Neo-Dada aesthetics with Landback principles. Their practice challenges dominant narratives on colonialism, society, and gender, aiming to inspire a new generation toward collective liberation. That has been shown in spaces like the Center for Great Plains Studies at the University of Nebraska.