“Language of the Land” Reception Held

On April 19, Ucross hosted a reception for the curator and artists whose work is featured in the “The Language of the Land,” exhibit at the Ucross Art Gallery. “The Language of the Land” explores the profound connection between land, identity and storytelling through photography, mixed media and poetry.

“The land holds our identity, our stories and our truth about ourselves,” Curator Sean Chandler said. “Steven, Jeremy and Danielle have each interpreted their own connection to the land, creating works that are deeply personal and universally resonant. Their art speaks to the strength, resilience and spiritual connection that Indigenous Peoples have with their environment.”

The artists were recipients of the 2024 Ucross Fellowship for Native American. Chandler (Aaniiih), is a former Ucross artist-in-residence and the president of Aaniiih Nakoda College on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in Montana. He was a resident at Ucross for two weeks in 2023.

He added that he felt more people should apply and come here and do work here. He said that it is good to be alone sometimes just to concentrate on art, and his time at Ucross was refreshing.

He talked about curating the show.

Poet and writer Danielle Shandiin Emerson (Diné) of Shiprock, New Mexico said her time at Ucross helped her to reconnect with the land.

Deeply personal yet widely resonant, Emerson’s art is rooted in family storytelling and a profound relationship with the land, offering an emotional and reflective journey for viewers.

Steven J. Yazzie, a multidisciplinary artist of Diné, Pueblo of Laguna and European ancestry, explores themes of identity, memory and the perception of space and place. Through photography, Yazzie blends observation with imagination, using post-production techniques to create layered narratives that challenge viewers to reconsider the natural world and its sacredness.

He was also very complimentary of Chef Jackie Vitale’s skills in the kitchen. “She’s a heck of a cook,” he said.

Fine art photographer Jeremy Dennis (Shinnecock Indian Nation) of Southampton, New York, had this comment about the Ucross residency.

His work blends humor and truth to address issues such as treaty rights and historical misrepresentation. His piece “The Present Day” humorously critiques non-Native perspectives while reclaiming Indigenous narratives.

“The Language of the Land” will be on view at the Ucross Art Gallery through May 10.