What’s My Thesis?

Building Gene's Dispensary: Community, Curation, and Creating New Art Spaces in Los Angeles with Keith J Varadi In this wide-ranging conversation on What's My Thesis?, host Javier Proenza welcomes artist, curator, and writer Keith J. Varadi, founder of Gene's Dispensary, for an illuminating discussion on forging alternative pathways in the contemporary art world. Through candid reflection, Varadi shares their journey from painting to sound art, music, and ultimately to the establishment of their independent gallery space in Los Angeles—a project that has rapidly become a vibrant hub for creative cross-pollination. Drawing on years of experience as both a practicing artist and an accomplished curator—with writing credits in Carla, Flash Art, Kaleidoscope, and Los Angeles Review of Books—Varadi discusses how health challenges, a deep commitment to community-building, and a rigorous interdisciplinary ethos led to the creation of Gene's Dispensary. Operating in the heart of Los Angeles at 2007 Wilshire Boulevard, Unit 820, Gene's Dispensary takes inspiration from DIY spaces, Black Mountain College, and the inclusive spirit of early L.A. dispensary culture. Over the course of the episode, Varadi reflects on studying at Rutgers and Virginia Commonwealth University, their experience living in New York and Pittsburgh, and the evolving sense of belonging they found upon relocating to Los Angeles. Topics explored include the challenges and possibilities of starting an art space without institutional funding, building a collector base from scratch, integrating musicians, comedians, and writers into gallery programming, and the nuances of L.A.'s cultural landscape compared to New York. Highlights include a behind-the-scenes look at Gene's Dispensary's chess tournaments, multidisciplinary performances, and the gallery's mission to dissolve boundaries between visual art and other forms of creative practice. Varadi also offers insight into the gallery's namesake, paying homage to socialist leader Eugene V. Debs and affirming a commitment to equitable practices within the art market. Whether you are an artist seeking alternative models of sustainability, a curator interested in community engagement, or simply an art lover curious about the dynamic intersections of creativity in Los Angeles, this episode offers a compelling portrait of persistence, generosity, and invention. Visit Gene's Dispensary:

In this revelatory episode of What's My Thesis?, host Javier Proenza welcomes Chinese-Canadian visual artist Ketty Haolin Zhang for a candid and multifaceted conversation that traverses personal narrative, cultural identity, and the shifting landscapes of the art world. Born in northeastern China and currently based in Vancouver, Chang unpacks the nuances of the “1.5 generation” immigrant experience—a term that resonates deeply in her practice and daily life. Her formative transition from a fifth-tier city in China to cosmopolitan Vancouver was less a relocation and more a system reboot, an abrupt recalibration that continues to echo through her work and worldview. Throughout the discussion, Zhang thoughtfully reflects on her evolution from data analyst at an investment firm to full-time artist, and the calculated risks that led her to embrace painting and mixed media sculpture. Her visual language avoids overt cultural symbolism, instead delving into the atmospheric and emotional terrain of liminal spaces—transitory zones where belonging and alienation coexist in quiet tension. Drawing inspiration from personal snapshots and the intimate memories of others, her work invites viewers to project themselves into the scene, resisting the fixed narratives often expected from artists of diasporic backgrounds. This episode also interrogates the art world's complicated relationship with capitalism, institutional critique, and the silent stigma around commercial ambition. Zhang speaks with clarity about reconciling her creative integrity with the pragmatic need for sustainability, demystifying her approach to grants, residencies, and the economics of art-making in Canada. Together, Zhang and Proenza explore how geography shapes artistic ecosystems—juxtaposing Vancouver's scaled-down, transit-friendly gallery network with the sprawl and ambition of Los Angeles and the high-octane density of New York City. Chang offers a rare, introspective glimpse into the psychology of multilingualism and code-switching, the visceral dissonance of returning to a changed homeland, and the performative nature of self-presentation in the social media age. Themes Covered: The “1.5 generation” identity and its impact on cultural integration Liminality and the aesthetics of in-betweenness Transitioning from a data-driven corporate role to full-time artist Navigating Canada's grant-based art system Cultural tokenization, commercial validation, and institutional critique MFA programs and professionalization across North America Immigrant family expectations and artistic self-determination Choosing between L.A. and New York as an emerging artist Notable Quote: “It is joy to be hidden and disaster not to be found.” – Donald Winnicott, via Ketty Haolin Zhang —

In this intimate conversation hosted at Don't Look Projects for her solo show By the Company They Keep, the Chenhung Chen traces a path from formative memories of classroom murals in Taiwan to a tactile, spiritually inflected sculptural practice rooted in the poetics of material and memory. Drawing on a lifetime of cross-cultural experience—born in Taiwan, educated in New York at the School of Visual Arts, and now based in California—Chen reflects on the diasporic transformations that shaped her worldview, her practice, and her understanding of artistic responsibility. Over the course of the episode, she speaks candidly about the lasting impact of calligraphy, the subtle power of Taoist and Confucian thought, and the slow labor of crochet and wire weaving as acts of embodied meditation. Her early engagement with Chinese ink painting, which emphasizes the expressive qualities of line and brushstroke, has evolved into three-dimensional constructions made from recycled electrical wires and cables—materials charged both with literal energy and symbolic resonance. The conversation explores the artist's conceptual relationship to “order and chaos,” how her sculptural forms emerge from stream-of-consciousness gestures, and the intuitive logic behind her use of nontraditional materials. She discusses how her experiences as a medical and legal interpreter have revealed the porous boundaries between cultures and languages, underscoring the interconnectedness of all people. Throughout, she emphasizes the importance of embracing contradiction, translating cultural tension into visual rhythm, and honoring what she describes as “the inner world”—a central tenet of her creative methodology. Themes of hybridity, displacement, and the invisible labor of women recur throughout the dialogue, as the artist describes her attraction to utilitarian crafts like crochet and basketry, her reverence for nature, and her use of everyday materials—paper, staples, hair, and cables—as repositories of lived experience. The result is a body of work that operates like a visual diary: both diaristic and durational, deeply rooted in personal memory and shaped by global histories. From reflections on the Cultural Revolution and Renaissance painting to the pandemic-era shift toward domestic intimacy, this episode offers a nuanced meditation on what it means to make art across geographies, traditions, and states of being. For Chenhung Chen, to create is to process—an act of digestion as much as construction. “Everything I see, I take in,” she says. “And then it comes out.” — Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform.

In this episode of What's My Thesis?, host Javier Proenza is joined by Liz Hirsch, co-director of 839—an artist-run house gallery in Los Angeles that reimagines what a commercial art space can look and feel like. Located in a 1920's bungalow, 839 is part of a growing network of intimate, artist-centered spaces shaping the future of exhibition-making in L.A. With a background in academia, curatorial work, and community organizing, Hirsch discusses the vision behind 839: a space that supports artists through solo shows, long-term relationships, and thoughtful engagement. Many of the gallery's artists-including Olivia Gibian, Andrés Janacua, and Nichelle Dailey-have recently presented solo exhibitions at 839, some for the first time. The episode touches on the realities and freedoms of running a house gallery, the gallery's upcoming presentation at NADA New York, and their limited-edition print series designed to make collecting more accessible. This conversation offers essential insights into how artists and curators are building new models of sustainability, intimacy, and care within a decentralized art world. Explore more:

Queer Spectacle, Polaroid Realities, and the Art of Wrestling with Identity with Christopher Anthony Velasco In this illuminating episode of What's My Thesis?, host Javier Proenza welcomes artist and educator Christopher Anthony Velasco—a polymath of performative personas, analog photography, and speculative queer mythologies. Known for his immersive character work and deep engagement with the aesthetics of subversion, Velasco brings an electrifying mix of vulnerability, irreverence, and narrative dissonance to a conversation that resists containment. Anchored by his long-running alter ego The Doctor, Velasco charts a performative lineage from backyard wrestling and horror cinema to body horror and experimental drag. His work collapses boundaries between art and entertainment, sincerity and satire, fiction and lived experience—what he terms “the art world as a wrestling ring.” Through characters like Krystal Carrington and Doctor Barbie, Velasco reclaims and retools identity through spectacle, queering archetypes from within. This episode explores: The influence of Japanese wrestling and horror film on Velasco's photographic performance work The metaphysical potential of Polaroids as portals into alternate dimensions Drag as worldbuilding and trauma alchemy Navigating academia as a queer artist of color—from community college through CalArts and UC Santa Barbara Sobriety, creative resilience, and re-emerging with purpose Velasco speaks candidly about substance use, identity crises, and the emotional minefields of higher education, particularly the lack of institutional support for artists of color. Yet, the episode also brims with humor, warmth, and geeky tangents—from Transformers lore to micro machines, Proenza's Miami coke-snobbery, and the joys of analog photography. This conversation is a living archive: disorganized, alive, and expansive. Like Velasco's art, it makes space for contradiction, chaos, and camp without apology. Follow Christopher Anthony Velasco on Instagram at @caver83 Check out his podcast with Dakota Noot: Two in the Pinku — a deep dive into queer-coded Japanese cinema and cult classics. Hosted by Javier Proenza

  In this episode of the podcast, host Javier Proenza is joined by Rhett Baruch, founder of the contemporary art space Rhett Baruch Gallery, for a candid conversation that moves fluidly between car culture and curatorial strategy—touching on everything from VTEC engines and flat-plane V8s to the architecture of gallery identity in Los Angeles. Baruch discusses his unconventional journey from car enthusiast to gallerist, tracing how a passion for craftsmanship, aesthetics, and the tactile qualities of objects evolved into a sharp curatorial practice. With no formal background in the art world, Baruch speaks to the DIY spirit that shaped the gallery's beginnings—from styling vintage design vignettes in his historic Little Bangladesh apartment to leveraging Instagram to cultivate a following of interior designers who would become his first collectors. Throughout the conversation, Baruch emphasizes materiality, intention, and relationships over trend-chasing or institutional pedigree. His eye for precision, born of a background in automotive performance and design, guides Rhett Baruch Gallery's focus on high-quality, often hand-built contemporary works—from the sculptural paintings of Cole Seager and Christopher Ríos to the minimalist interventions of Satoshi Okada. Informed by an understated spirituality and a quiet resistance to conventional art world hierarchies, Baruch's practice speaks to a broader shift in the collector landscape—one where emerging buyers are invited into the fold through aesthetics, storytelling, and trust. This episode offers an illuminating look at how one of LA's most distinct young galleries is redefining what a contemporary art space can be: refined but accessible, rooted in design yet committed to fine art, and always evolving. Highlights include: How Rhett Baruch transitioned from automotive culture to the contemporary art world The role of interior designers in seeding a new generation of art collectors Rhett Baruch Gallery's focus on material quality and process-based practices Thoughts on the art world's relationship to faith, aesthetics, and the "white cube" model Building credibility without an MFA or institutional affiliation Gallery branding, voice, and strategy—from vignettes to vernacular Featured Artists Mentioned: Jonathan Todryk, Cole Seager, Christopher Ríos, Edward, Linda Keeler, Satoshi Okada, Laura Walberg Rhett Baruch Gallery Website: www.rhettbaruch.com Instagram: @rhett.baruch.gallery Listen to the episode on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Patreon (early access) Subscribe, Rate & Review If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave us a five-star review, share the episode, and consider joining our Patreon for early access to new episodes. #ContemporaryArt #ArtPodcast #RhettBaruch #RhettBaruchGallery #LosAngelesArt #EmergingArtists #ArtCollecting #GalleryLife #ArtAndDesign #MaterialityInArt #ArtistInterviews #CarCultureToCurator #ArtWorldInsights

"Worldbuilding Through Memory and Myth: Elias Hernandez on Storytelling, Surrealism, and the Legacy of Conflict" In this immersive episode of What's My Thesis?, host Javier Proenza welcomes artist and educator Elias Hernandez, whose deeply narrative visual practice draws from Latin American surrealism, video game aesthetics, and inherited stories of displacement and resilience. A recent MFA graduate from USC and collaborator with cult streetwear label Brain Dead, Hernandez charts a complex universe in his paintings—populated by star-bearing knights, sentient castles, and time-traveling wizards—where memory, mythology, and trauma are rendered in fantastical allegory. Born in Mountain View and raised between the Bay Area and Sunnyvale, Hernandez reflects on a childhood steeped in card games like Magic: The Gathering, which sparked his fascination with visual storytelling. These early interests evolved into a practice that explores “the burden and blessing” of cultural inheritance—from Salvadoran family histories shaped by civil war to folkloric Catholic imagery and Latin American feminist surrealism. In conversation, Hernandez discusses how drawing, teaching, and game-inspired worldbuilding intersect in his creative process. His paintings act as sequential mythologies—each one building upon the last—presenting a nonlinear, symbolic narrative of a hero's journey infused with biblical allusions, cosmic cults, and archetypes of good and evil. These compositions resist linear interpretation, instead inviting viewers into a slow unfolding of meaning that echoes oral tradition and pre-Columbian storytelling. As Hernandez explains, his work is not overtly political, yet it is politicized by its very existence within American contemporary art spaces. Drawing from artists like Otto Dix, Diego Rivera, and Leonora Carrington, his practice embodies a transhistorical dialogue where surrealist aesthetics and contemporary iconography converge—memes, murals, and medieval allegory colliding in a uniquely generational vision. Highlights include: How early exposure to fantasy media and tabletop gaming shaped his narrative sensibility The role of inherited trauma in the creative act and character development Reflections on his time as a bilingual educator in Oakland and the visual languages of immigrant youth A detailed breakdown of his fictional universe, including moon-worshipping cults and star-forging armor The spiritual dimensions of drawing and ceramics as ritual practices Insight into Central American cultural erasure and mythological reimaginings Hernandez's work transcends medium and genre, bridging pop culture with ancient cosmology, and positioning painting as a vehicle for complex identity expression and speculative folklore. This episode is an invitation into the mind of a worldbuilder—one who channels collective memory into realms where the past haunts, empowers, and transforms. Follow Elias Hernandez on Instagram @eliasxhernandez and visit his website at www.eliashernandez.art. Listen now and subscribe to What's My Thesis? on your favorite podcast platform. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a five-star review and support the show on Patreon for early access and bonus content. #EliasHernandez #LatinArt #SurrealistPainting #WorldbuildingArt #ContemporaryArtPodcast #WhatsMyThesis #ArtAndIdentity #FantasyArt #CivilWarMemory #MagicTheGatheringArt #USCArt #BraindeadCollab

Episode Title: “Sanctuary in Practice: Art, Advocacy, and Survival with Dalia Palacios” In this luminous and profoundly intimate episode of What's My Thesis?, host Javier Proenza is joined by teaching artist and community advocate Dalia Palacios, whose multidisciplinary practice and lived experience offer a compelling meditation on resilience, displacement, motherhood, and the transformative power of art. Palacios, born and raised in Echo Park, Los Angeles, recounts her early creative awakening amid housing insecurity, gentrification, and cultural dislocation. Her trajectory—from riding buses and bicycles across the city, to leading youth art workshops that reflect current gallery exhibitions—unfolds with honesty and urgency. With a voice shaped by community organizing, lived trauma, and poetic resolve, Palacios articulates the many roles she occupies: artist, mother, educator, survivor, and advocate. A former resident artist at Arts at Blue Roof, Palacios reflects on the pivotal experience of having a dedicated studio for the first time—a moment that catalyzed a deeply collaborative and experimental body of work, incorporating embroidery on paper, recycled materials, sculpture, and storytelling. The residency not only fostered material exploration but also offered a vital container for healing postpartum depression and longstanding mental health challenges exacerbated by the pandemic lockdown. Throughout the conversation, themes of intergenerational trauma, the stigmatization of mental illness in Latino communities, and the tension between art world access and grassroots engagement are explored with vulnerability and depth. Palacios shares how art has remained her sanctuary from childhood through motherhood, offering a rare continuity of purpose across ever-shifting landscapes. Highlights include: Her work with students at Angel's Gate Cultural Center and the exhibition Black in Place Memories of learning to draw in Tijuana and formative punishment-as-creativity exercises Her advocacy against gentrification through graffiti, wheatpasting, and stencil work The profound role of community support in her healing journey The collaborative joy of working on a public mural with L.A. Commons and artist John Treviño Insights into applying for artist residencies as a parent and self-taught practitioner Palacios's reflections are a reminder that the act of making art—especially in community—is a radical form of care. Her work speaks to the invisible labor of motherhood, the architecture of survival, and the quiet brilliance of those who create despite the odds. Follow Dalia Palacios on Instagram @blissone and stay tuned for her forthcoming website. Keywords: Dalia Palacios, LA artist, teaching artist Los Angeles, postpartum depression art, Arts at Blue Roof, Angel's Gate Cultural Center, gentrification graffiti, art and healing, Latinx artist mental health, public mural Los Angeles, L.A. Commons, John Treviño, community-based art, artist parent residency, What's My Thesis podcast.

Art as Infrastructure: A Conversation on Social Practice, Community, and the Evolving Role of Nonprofit Art Spaces in Los Angeles An interview with Pranay Reddy, Director of LA Artcore In this compelling episode of What's My Thesis?, host Javier Proenza sits down with Pranay Reddy, the director of LA Artcore, for a far-reaching conversation that explores the role of nonprofit art spaces as vital community infrastructure in Los Angeles. With clarity, conviction, and deep sincerity, Reddy offers an unfiltered look at his trajectory from punk and zine culture in suburban Colorado to leading one of the city's longest-running artist-run institutions. The conversation traces Reddy's early exposure to alternative music and DIY media, his education at the Maryland Institute College of Art, and the profound influence of social practice artists on his own sculptural and photographic inquiries. Through personal reflection and institutional critique, Reddy unpacks the realities of inheriting LA Artcore's legacy and reimagining it for a new generation—one that demands transparency, inclusion, and intentional community-building. As the city contends with stark inequalities and ongoing housing crises, Reddy's leadership emphasizes LA Artcore's position in a broader ecosystem of mutual aid, solidarity, and decolonial cultural work. The discussion touches on the failures of the commercial art fair model, the limitations of traditional museums, and the importance of small-scale, grassroots infrastructures in giving artists room to experiment and be seen. Reddy shares details about LA Artcore's upcoming programming, including: Naman – A self-titled exhibition by a collective of Philippine X diaspora artists, opening March 15, exploring contemporary identity, historical presence, and visibility. Labkhand Olfatmanesh – A powerful installation centered on grief and grounding practices. Teamoz – An artist whose research into panda symbolism interrogates the complexities of U.S.–China relations. Tokyo Exchange Exhibition – Featuring ten artists from Tokyo, reactivating LA Artcore's longstanding commitment to international dialogue. Through it all, Reddy reaffirms his belief that artists are conduits of the communities they live and work in—and that art, at its best, is an infrastructure for care, connection, and change. Follow LA Artcore Instagram: @laartcore Website: laartcore.org Follow Pranay Reddy Instagram: @p_reign —

Spiritual Kinship, Artist-Run Futures, and Burning the Art World Down (Gently) - Cat Gunn In this episode of What's My Thesis, Javier Proenza welcomes Cat Gunn—artist, curator, and co-organizer of Other Places Art Fair South (OPAF South)—for a wide-ranging conversation on community, creative identity, and the radical possibilities within artist-run spaces. Rooted in their early relationship to art and shaped by their current role in the San Diego-based initiative Harvest and Gather, the dialogue illuminates the power of collaborative curation and experimental presentation. Gunn shares the ethos behind Harvest and Gather's programming, which includes boundary-pushing moments such as a bonfire where artwork is ceremoniously burned—a powerful gesture of impermanence, intention, and spiritual offering. As OPAF South emerges as a new chapter of the long-running artist-run platform Other Places Art Fair, Gunn reflects on mentorship, shared resources, and the liberatory potential of decentralized arts infrastructure. With detours through magic, conceptual art, regional aesthetics, and the politics of visibility, Proenza and Gunn discuss what it means to make and sustain art outside of market logic. Topics include: Cat Gunn's transition from drawing and animation to curation and community-based practice The philosophy and provocations behind Harvest and Gather How artist-run spaces function as spiritual and political interventions San Diego's evolving art ecosystem and Gunn's collaboration with MCA on OPAF South Queerness, geography, and the differences between art scenes in Baltimore, Miami, L.A., and beyond The sustainability of DIY and underground creative labor in a post-pandemic landscape For those compelled by the invisible architectures of care, resistance, and ritual in contemporary art, this episode offers an inspired look into what's being built just outside the spotlight. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Support the show on Patreon for early access and bonus content. Follow Cat Gunn and Harvest and Gather on Instagram: @harvestngather #CatGunn #WhatsMyThesis #JavierProenza #HarvestAndGather #OPAFSouth #OtherPlacesArtFair #SanDiegoArtScene #ArtistRunSpaces #ContemporaryArt #AlternativeArt #QueerArtists #ArtPodcast #ArtWorld #ConceptualArt #SpiritualArt #ArtBurning #GrassrootsArt #CommunityArt

What's My Thesis? – Live from Orange Coast College: Dakota Noot on Art, Censorship & Community Building Orange Coast College | Frank M. Doyle Pavilion | Southern California Art Scene In this milestone episode of What's My Thesis?, host Javier Proenza sits down with artist, curator, and community-builder Dakota Noot for a special conversation inside an ambitious group exhibition at the Frank M. Doyle Pavilion at Orange Coast College. As the acting gallery director, Noot reflects on their journey from North Dakota to Southern California, exploring their evolution as both an artist and curator. The discussion unveils the complex networks that shape the region's art scene and highlights the challenges and triumphs of curating large-scale exhibitions. Episode Highlights:

The Business of Art: Building a Sustainable Market with Tyler Park Presents In this deep dive episode of What's My Thesis, we explore the intricate world of contemporary art galleries, artist representation, and the strategies behind building a sustainable market for emerging artists. Our guest, Tyler Park, founder of Tyler Park Presents, shares invaluable insights from his journey navigating the art world—from his early days as an artist to becoming a gallerist dedicated to elevating emerging talent. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: - The Economics of the Art Market – How are prices set for emerging artists? Tyler breaks down pricing strategies, the dangers of overvaluation, and how to ensure sustainable market growth. - The Role of Galleries in an Artist's Career – A successful solo show isn't just about sales. Tyler outlines three critical success factors: visibility, critical discourse, and market interest. - Institutional Recognition vs. Commercial Success – What's the impact of museum acquisitions on an artist's career? How do gallery exhibitions differ from institutional recognition? We discuss how these validations contribute to long-term value. - Building Collector Relationships – The importance of networking, collaborating with art advisors, and why transparency in the art world is crucial for long-term success. - The Art World Behind the Scenes – What does it really take to run a gallery solo? Tyler shares the challenges of managing operations, finding the right artists, and balancing the pressures of competition and collaboration in the industry. Why You Should Listen Whether you're an artist looking to navigate the commercial gallery space, a collector interested in understanding how markets are made, or an art enthusiast curious about the behind-the-scenes of running a gallery, this episode is packed with expert insights. Connect with Tyler Park Presents

What do UFOs, roadside attractions, and outsider art have in common? In this episode, we dive into the world of creative obsession, unconventional artistry, and the mysteries of the universe. Our guest, artist Mary Sabo, takes us on a journey through the cultural quirks of Las Vegas, the surreal nature of desert landscapes, and the fascinating realm of DIY inventors and alchemists. We discuss:

Episode Summary: In this episode of What's My Thesis, host Javier Proenza sits down with artist Clarisse Abelarde to discuss her artistic journey, the impact of technology on contemporary culture, and the realities of making a living as an artist. From her immigrant experience moving from the Philippines to the U.S. at 14 to navigating the competitive art world, Clarisse shares her insights on balancing creativity with financial stability, the significance of artist residencies, and the evolving nature of her work. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Clarisse's early life and how being an immigrant shaped her artistic path The intense experience of Art Basel and its reflection on Miami's cultural scene How technology, social media, and digital consumption influence contemporary identity and art The challenges of sustaining an art career while balancing jobs outside the field The importance of artist residencies and alternative career paths in the art world Insights into Clarisse's figurative painting practice and her shift towards film-based imagery Key Highlights: [00:00] Introduction and Clarisse's background [07:00] The Art Basel experience and Miami's cultural identity [17:00] Discovering art as a career path and transitioning from science to painting [32:00] The impact of technology on personal identity and perception [45:00] Navigating financial sustainability as an artist [59:00] The role of artist residencies and career growth [1:06:00] Clarisse's current work and upcoming exhibitions Upcoming Exhibitions & How to Connect: Clarisse has upcoming group and solo exhibitions at Rod Briggs Gallery, Sabbatical in Santa Monica, and potentially the U.S. Fisher Museum. Follow Clarisse on Instagram: @clarisse.artist Interested in a studio visit? Clarisse is based in Downtown L.A. – reach out via Instagram! Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment on YouTube or your preferred podcast platform. Early access and exclusive content are available through our Patreon: Patreon.com/whatsmythesis. Your support helps us continue bringing great conversations to you! #ArtistInterview #ContemporaryArt #ArtPodcast #ClarisseAbelarde #WhatsMyThesis #ArtBasel #TechnologyAndArt #EmergingArtists #LAArtScene #ArtistResidencies #FigurativeArt  

246 Navigating Community Activism and Local Politics with Fernanda Sanchez Episode Summary: In this compelling episode of What's My Thesis?, host Javier Proenza sits down with community activist and neighborhood council member Fernanda Sanchez for a deep dive into the world of grassroots activism, local politics, and the ongoing fight against gentrification in Los Angeles. Fernanda shares candid insights on the challenges of political engagement, the realities of navigating systemic barriers, and how communities can mobilize to protect their neighborhoods. The conversation covers the critical intersection of activism and art, the impact of corporate gentrification, and the complexities of working with people across the political spectrum. Fernanda also highlights the importance of documentation in activism, the role of artists in community movements, and the continuous struggle to hold local politicians accountable. Whether you're an aspiring activist, an artist looking to get involved, or just someone curious about the inner workings of grassroots political engagement, this episode is packed with thought-provoking discussions and actionable takeaways. Guest Introduction: Fernanda Sanchez is a dedicated community organizer and an elected neighborhood council member in Los Angeles. With years of experience in grassroots activism, Fernanda has been at the forefront of efforts to combat gentrification, advocate for housing justice, and challenge the systemic inequities impacting historically marginalized communities. Her work emphasizes direct action, coalition-building, and the power of local engagement in effecting real change. Topics Covered: The realities of unpaid political work and why true activism requires commitment beyond election cycles. How affluent liberals often dominate political discourse and decision-making while sidelining local voices. The ongoing struggle against gentrification in Los Angeles and its impact on communities of color. Avenue 34: A case study in community resistance against luxury developments built on toxic land. The evolving role of artists in political movements and how creative documentation can preserve community narratives. Why talking to your neighbors is one of the most radical things you can do. The dangers of co-opted political figures and how grassroots movements can remain independent. What newcomers to activism should know before jumping into political work. Notable Quotes: "Are you really radical if you're only working with white liberals? You're not. True activism means building alliances across different perspectives." "Gentrification evolves. The businesses that displaced us are now being displaced by corporations. This fight never stops." "The system will never allow a ‘good' politician to thrive. If you're looking for self-gratification in politics, you're in for a rude awakening." "The most important thing people can do right now? Talk to your neighbors. Organize locally. That's how we make real change." Resources & Actionable Steps: Follow Fernanda Sanchez on Instagram: [@fernandasanchez] for updates on local activism and ways to get involved. Support grassroots efforts in your community by contributing skills—whether you're an artist, writer, or videographer. Participate in local meetings and hold neighborhood councils accountable. Stay informed about developments like Avenue 34 and Boyle Heights Town Project by following community-led initiatives. Join local efforts to document and resist displacement, whether through art, media, or direct action. Call to Action: If you enjoyed this conversation, please rate and review What's My Thesis? on your favorite podcast platform! Subscribe for more in-depth discussions on activism, politics, and culture. If you want to support the podcast, consider joining our Patreon for early episode access and exclusive content. Stay engaged, stay informed, and most importantly—talk to your neighbors. #GrassrootsActivism #LocalPolitics #Gentrification #CommunityOrganizing #WhatsMyThesis #PoliticalEngagement #HousingJustice

Photography, Family Archives, and Artistic Entrepreneurship - Hiroshi Clark In this episode, Hiroshi Clark shares his journey as a photographer whose work blends personal history with an exploration of Japanese and American cultural influences. Hiroshi talks about his creative process, the emotional impact of family archives, and the intricacies of his recent art exhibition and publication. We dive into his approach to photography, how he draws inspiration from late 1960s and early 1970s Japanese visual culture, and his unique approach to archival storytelling. Whether discussing the objects that shape our memories or the challenges of balancing art with business, this conversation is a fascinating look into the world of a contemporary photographer forging his own path. Episode Highlights: The Power of Family Archives: Hiroshi explains how personal family photographs, like one of his mother with sparklers, have become crucial to his art practice. The powerful connection between these images and his childhood experiences is central to his work. The Influence of Japanese Photography: Hiroshi delves into the visual influences from late 60s and early 70s Japanese photography, specifically its connection to fashion photography for magazines like Vogue. He connects these historical references to his contemporary work, exploring themes of identity and memory. The Concept of Space and Display: Hiroshi's recent show, which featured prints from his family archive, was thoughtfully designed to create a sense of immersion within a small space, with viewers "turning around" the exhibition to see different works, each part of an ongoing narrative. 85 7 20 – A New Publication: Hiroshi discusses his new book 85 7 20, a publication that accompanies his latest show. Designed by Wyatt Malachy Conlin, the publication features innovative layouts that visually mirror the themes of time and memory found in his photography. Navigating the Art World and Business: At the intersection of art and entrepreneurship, Hiroshi shares his views on creating a sustainable art practice. He talks about how balancing side projects, such as his commercial work with Artifax, can support his artistic growth and keep him focused on his creative goals. Links & Resources: Artifacts: Hiroshi's photo documentation service – [Artifax @artifaxphto] Follow Hiroshi Clark on Instagram: [@hiroshi_clark] The Fulcrum Press – [thefulcrumpress.com] Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this with your friends. You can also support us by joining our Patreon to get early access to episodes and exclusive content. Your support helps us continue bringing in incredible guests and creating more episodes!

Kader Ampka talks about growing up in New York with ties to West Africa, the BRICS economic Alliance, and how different maps inform his art practice.

Artist Brent Holmes breaks down the Las Vegas art scene, and whether peace as an ideal runs counter to human nature.