A Critical Theory and Creative Praxis Reading Group
ABOUT
The Extracts reading / praxis group emerges from a series of research projects we co-designed between 2021-2024 focusing on (neo)colonial mining, environmental arts, and community partnerships, and is also inspired by the work of the Extracting Us Collective, which explores how artistic and creative practises can process and communicate ideas about relating and acting ‘otherwise’.
In establishing this reading / praxis group, we aim to collaboratively and reflexively engage with foundational and emerging scholarship and artwork that responds to the (neo)colonial histories (past and present) of extractivism, and to explore imagining and practicing ways of being and relating that subvert and resist extractivism.
Our aim is to inspire critical reflection, creative inquiry, and community discussion. We plan to create an online exhibition and print catalogue based on our conversations and explorations.
Our ‘Extracts’ reading list was compiled with two specific goals in mind: first, the lists would feature Indigenous artists, artists of colour, and scholars and artists primarily working from the Global South; and second, the lists would include generative pairings of theory-focused and praxis-based texts.
The goal is to meet for 90 minutes once every six weeks via Zoom, November 2024 through May 2025. Reading group members may attend as many or as few sessions as they wish. No experience of art making or extractivism is necessary.
Each session will be guided by a different volunteer facilitator from the group, with 30 minutes for discussion of the texts, 30 minutes of creative exploration in response to a prompt the facilitator, and 30 minutes group reflection on the creative exercise.
For more info about signing up for this group (for updates, shared files, etc.), contact list coordinators Megan Kuster (megan.kuster1@ucd.ie) or Sarah Comyn (sarah.comyn@ucd.ie)
Reading Schedule
For access to files, contact list coordinators Megan Kuster (megan.kuster1@ucd.ie) or Sarah Comyn (sarah.comyn@ucd.ie). *Please note*: readings in later sessions may be subject to change
1. CAPITALIST CRITIQUES
Tuesday, November 5th, 3pm Irish Time
Theory: Yusoff, Kathryn. ‘Introduction: Coordinates’, ‘Geologic Life Analytic’, ‘Geologic Life Lexicon’, & ‘Underground Aesthetics’ in Geologic Life: Inhuman Intimacies and the Geophysics of Race. Duke UP, 2024. pp. 1-38; 97-118.
Praxis: Oleson, Jeanine. Crossed Wires, 2017, 3-channel video, 17 mins
Additional, optional reading:
Oleson, Jeanine (eds. Karen Kelly & Barbara Schroeder). Jaleh Mansoor’s ‘The Flesh of the World’ and K-Sue Park’s ‘We’re Here! Can You Hear Us?’ in Conduct Matters: Artist Book. Dancing Foxes Press, 2019. pp. 10-16; 32-40.
Arboleda, Martín. Planetary Mine: Territories of Extraction under Late Capitalism. Verso, 2020.
2. INDIGENOUS ART & ACTIVISM
Tuesday, December 10th, 3pm Irish Time
Theory: L.B. Simpson, R. Walcott, & G. Coulthard “Idle No More and Black Lives Matter: A Panel Exchange” (2018)
Praxis: Cannupa Hanska Luger’s ‘Mirror Shield Project’ https://www.cannupahanska.com/social-engagement/mirror-shield-project
Additional, optional reading:
Praxis: Biidaaban (The Dawn Comes)
3. LABOURING
Tuesday, January 28th, 3pm Irish Time
“South African miners trapped underground.” Al Jazeera [English], 18 November 2024.https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/18/south-african-miners-trapped-underground-what-you-need-to-know
Theory: Rosalind Morris. ‘The Miner’s Ear’ Transition. 98: 2008, 96-115
Praxis: Rosalind Morris : We are Zama Zama : https://www.wearezamazama.com alternatively
Additional, optional reading:
Praxis: The Zama Zama Project: https://www.wearezamazama.com/theproject; https://slought.org/resources/the_zama_zama_project
4. REGENERATING
Tuesday, February 25th, 3pm Irish Time
Theory: Leanne Betasamosake Simpson. Sections ‘Three, ‘Four,’ and ‘Eight’ in Noopiming: The Cure for White Ladies. Minnesota, 2022. pp. 93-121; 125-147; 205-225.
Praxis: Otobong Nkanga’s Diaoptasia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR8_t1AM0dw
Additional, optional reading:
Praxis: Otobong Nkanga. ‘Interview with Elizabeth Schippers, BerlinArtLink, 07 2020’ https://www.otobong-nkanga.com/_files/ugd/989829_7523562da62a455e9e3d70bc516838d2.pdf
5. DENOUNCING
Tuesday, April 1st, 3pm Irish Time
Theory: Thea Riofrancos. ‘Introduction;’ ‘Governing the Future: “Information,” Counter-Knowledge, and the Futuro Minero.’ in Resource Radicals: From Petro-Nationalism to Post-Extractivism in Ecuador. Duke UP, 2020. pp. 1-28; 138-163.
Praxis: Adrián Balseca ‘PLANTASIA OIL Co.’ https://nasal.pe/en/portfolio/plantasia/#:~:text=Emphasizing%20the%20non%2Dnatural%20in,as%20a%20monument%20of%20modernity; and https://n24galeria.com/project/plantasia-oil-co/
6. RECYCLING/REMAKING
Tuesday, May 6th, 3pm Irish Time
Theory: Iheka, Cajetan. ‘Introduction;’ ‘Spatial Networks, Toxic Ecoscapes, and (In)visible Labor,’ in African Ecomedia: Network Forms, Planetary Politics. Duke UP, 2021. pp. 1-23; 64-107.
Praxis: Mwitiki, Kioko. https://www.instagram.com/kiokosantarosa/. For the discussion, pair this with viewing this video: Museum of International Folk Art. ‘iNgqikithi yokuPhica / Weaving Meanings: Telephone Wire Art from South Africa,’ 16 September 2024. [short video] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgDDTHD8SNc
Praxis: Douglas Camp, Sokari. Primavera. October Gallery, 2016. [Exhibition Catalogue] https://sokari.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Douglas-Camp-Sokari_catalogue_PRIMAVERA_2016.pdf; and Douglas Camp, Sokari. Jonkannu Masquerade. October Gallery, 2022. [Exhibition Catalogue] https://sokari.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Douglas-Camp-Sokari_Jonkonnu-Masquerade_2022.pdf For the discussion, pair these with viewing this video: Ayesu, Joseph, ‘How fast fashion waste is choking Ghana’s beaches,’ The Guardian 18 November 2024.[short video] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmWCyuKR4dY&t=1s
Extractivist Landscapes 
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