Laken Linnea Sylvander

Education
B.A. Washington University in St. Louis (Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies; French)

Biography
Laken Sylvander is a doctoral student, researcher, artist and curator. She studies decolonial approaches to cultural and environmental heritage in settler-occupied societies, from the Upper Midwest to North Africa and the Middle East. She is an alumni of Fulbright Netherlands where she studied Critical Studies in Art & Culture at the Vrije Universiteit.

Sylvander is Creative Director and founding Co-Steward of Climate Futures Studio, an interdisciplinary home for strengthening narrative power in the climate justice movement. Through fellowships, exhibitions, and public storytelling, the Studio supports frontline communities to craft compelling, future-oriented climate narratives that inspire civic action and cultural change.
Her artistic practice includes textile work producing experimental, theory-rooted garments, as well as painting and producing original electronic music.

Research Interests
Settler-Colonial cultural heritage, indigenous land stewardship, agriculture in the cultural imagination, landscape, decolonial theory and praxis, textile and fiber arts, folk arts