What’s My Thesis?

248 Embracing the Artist’s Journey with Clarisse Abelarde

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

 

247 Surviving, Creating, and Building: A Conversation with Zeina Baltagi

In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode of What's My Thesis?, host Javier Proenza sits down with artist, educator, and community builder Zeina Baltagi for an unfiltered discussion on survival, art, and the intersections of mobility—physical, economic, and spiritual.

Zeina shares their journey of resilience, from surviving childhood illness and economic instability to navigating the evolving landscape of contemporary art and activism. They reflect on the profound impact of survivor’s guilt, cultural identity, and the responsibility of bearing witness in times of crisis. With a practice rooted in lived experience, Zeina’s work explores everything from public space and urban infrastructure to the erasure of cultural heritage in Palestine and Lebanon**.

 

This episode touches on:

✔ **Art as a means of survival and self-exploration**\

✔ The impact of disability and economic hardship on mobility\

✔ **The role of sidewalks as a metaphor for access and exclusion**\

✔ Navigating the art world as an educator and activist\

✔ **The destruction of cultural institutions in global conflicts**\

✔ The challenges of speaking truth in an industry that often prioritizes silence

 

Throughout, Javier and Zeina discuss the emotional weight of witnessing violence and injustice—both personally and politically—and how artists can use their work to build coalitions and create lasting impact.

🔥 This is an episode about perseverance, purpose, and finding ways to keep creating, even when the world is burning.

📢 Follow Zeina Baltagi

📸 Instagram: @garfield_ave

🌐 Website: Zeinabaltagi.com

 

💡 Support the Show!

If you found value in this conversation, consider joining our Patreon for exclusive early access to episodes. Your support helps us keep the podcast going.  Patreon.com/whatsmythesis

 

#artpodcast #activistart #mobility #publicspace #survivorguilt #artistslife #whatsmythesis #zainabghabra #contemporaryart

246 Navigating Community Activism and Local Politics - Neighborhood Council President Fernanda Sanchez

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

245 Photography, Family Archives, and Artistic Entrepreneurship - Hiroshi Clark

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!

244 The End of Art School Critiques - Amir Zaki

The End of Art School Critiques with Amir Zaki | Episode 244

In this episode, photographer Amir Zaki joins Javier Proenza to explore the dramatic shift in art school critiques and how they've evolved from rigorous technical assessments to something much more complex and subjective. As an artist who’s experienced both sides of the critique system, Amir offers a unique perspective on how the traditional model of evaluating art is becoming increasingly obsolete in today’s art world.

Art school critiques, once focused primarily on technical mastery and formal analysis, have undergone a transformation. As art practices have evolved, so too has the way we discuss and assess artwork. For Amir Zaki, the end of traditional critiques signals a larger cultural shift in how we approach creative work. In this conversation, Amir reflects on how critiques today are no longer just about technique—they now center on personal expression, conceptual depth, and the context in which the art is made.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The decline of traditional art school critiques: Why the emphasis on technical skill is giving way to more abstract discussions.
• The growing importance of personal narrative and cultural context in contemporary critiques.
• How the role of the art critic has evolved alongside these shifts.
• The impact of these changes on the education of emerging artists and what it means for the future of art schools.
• Amir Zaki’s own artistic journey and how he’s navigated the changing landscape of critiques throughout his career.

Links & Resources:

• Check out Amir Zaki’s photography and current projects: [Website or Instagram link]
• Explore Amir Zaki’s involvement in the Pacific Standard Time group show at the Culver Arts Center.
• Support the podcast! Subscribe, leave a review, and get early access to episodes via Patreon.

 

 

243 Post Colonial Realities - Kader Amkpa

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.

242 The Las Vegas Art Scene - Artist Brent Holmes

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

241 Painting: Metaphysics & Bacchanal - Painter Oscar Pearson

240 1980's Los Angeles Art Scene - Anthony Ausgang

239 Collecting Art: CEO MMXIX - Art Collector Dwight Smith

238 Painting and Performance Theory - Amy Mackay

237 Do Stuff and Figure it Out - Artist Daniel Herr

236 The Lowest of the Low: Lowriders in Art - Artist Jacqueline Valenzuela

235 From Guatemala with Love: Invisible Undocumented Communities in America - Artist César López

234 Indigenous Orphan: Predominantly White Institutions - Artist Laurie Steelink

233 Silent Disco: Technology and Isolation- Artist Becky Brown

232 Creator Owned Comics of the 90's & the Italian Renaissance - Nick Lowe

231 Flower Shop Collective: Art of the Global Majority - Nadia Tahoun

230 New York: Commercial Art Gallery Breakdown - Artist Nick Naber

229 Tunnel: Artist Run Miami - Luna Palazzolo - Daboul

228 Miami's Art Scene Vs Art Basel - Artist misael soto

227 Drawing Is the Medium: Conceptual Abstraction - Artist John O'Conner

226 Subverting Corporate Spaces: Ikea Residency - Artist Mary Boo

225 Slow & Steady Wins the Race : Art Career Longevity - Kristopher Raos

224 Art in the LA Harbor: Long Beach and San Pedro - Art Journalist and Podcaster Melina Paris

223 Art Gallery Representation 101: Mid to High Level Gallery Art Sales - Advisor to Art Collectors Saskia Bailey

222 Feminist Utopia - Artist Liv Aanrud

221 High Strangeness Naomi Nadreau

220 Art Journalism - Writer Matt Stromberg

219 Art Activism Through Community Engagement - Gloria Gem Sanchez

218 Good Naked: Selling Art in New York City - Art Dealer Artist Jaqueline Cedar

217 For the People: Art in Public Spaces - Cynthia Luján

#216 The Art Business: Navigating Commercial Galleries - Alex Andrew Sanchez

215 Chicago's Art Scene: Artist Run Spaces and Commercial Galleries - Adam F Scott

214 Alternate Personas in Art - The Art Dominatrix Elizabeth Folk

#213 Entering the Arena: Success in the Art Market - Tidawhitney Lek

#212 African Diasporic Spiritual Practice - Ajani Brannum

#211 Grief in Color and Miami's Art Scene - Cristina Victor

#210 The Art World Explained - Skip Snow

#209 Even Artists Get the Blues - Jon Pylypchuk