What’s My Thesis?

Javier Proenza
  • 4.8 (23)
  • FILOSOFÍA
  • CADA SEMANA
What’s My Thesis?

Every week, artists teach Javier Proenza.

  1. HACE 1 DÍA

    254 Art as Infrastructure: A Conversation on Social Practice, Community, and the Evolving Role of Nonprofit Art Spaces in Los Angeles

    Art as Infrastructure: A Conversation on Social Practice, Community, and the Evolving Role of Nonprofit Art Spaces in Los AngelesAn 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 ArtcoreInstagram: @laartcoreWebsite: laartcore.org Follow Pranay ReddyInstagram: @p_reign —🎧 For early access and to support independent arts media: patreon.com/whatsmythesis #LAArtcore #PranayReddy #SocialPracticeArt #NonprofitArtSpaces #ArtistRunInitiatives #DeColonialArt #CommunityArts #PhilippineDiasporaArt #TokyoArtExchange #WhatIsContemporaryArt #WhatsMyThesisPodcast

    1 h y 33 min

  2. 23 MAR

    253 Artist-Run Futures, and Burning the Art World Down (Gently) - Cat Gunn

    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

    1 h y 28 min

  3. 16 MAR

    252 Art Criticism, Political Engagement, and the Role of Discontent with Elwyn Palmerton

    Art Criticism, Political Engagement, and the Role of Discontent with Elwyn PalmertonWhat’s My Thesis? Podcast | Hosted by Javier Proenza In this incisive and far-ranging episode of What’s My Thesis?, host Javier Proenza welcomes artist and writer Elwyn Palmerton for a wide-reaching dialogue that explores the intersections of contemporary art, cultural criticism, and local political activism. From Palmerton’s formative years navigating the vibrant New York art scene of the late 1990s to his incisive voice as an art    critic today, the conversation offers a candid and layered portrait of an individual devoted to truth-telling in an increasingly performative cultural landscape. Key Themes: The Making of a Critic: Palmerton recounts his early exposure to the New York gallery circuit while attending NYU, and the pivotal role that grad school writing assignments—especially on the Whitney Biennial—played in forging his critical voice. Criticism as Craft and Confrontation: Informed by his deep engagement with art history and frequent gallery visits, Palmerton discusses the value of clear, form-driven analysis versus vague, concept-heavy narratives. He challenges the art world’s aversion to negativity and praises figures like Sean Tatol for maintaining intellectual rigor in the space. Art and the Sociopolitical Landscape: The episode delves into Palmerton’s campaign work for progressive city council candidates in Los Angeles, the structural power of real estate and police unions, and the possibilities of social housing as a viable alternative to market-driven development. His experience canvassing neighborhoods offers a grassroots lens into civic life often overlooked in mainstream coverage. Digital Disillusionment: The conversation expands into algorithmic culture, censorship, and the numbing effects of digital discourse. Both host and guest reflect on how platforms skew public perception and dilute the impact of genuine political or artistic critique. The Importance of Historical Consciousness: Palmerton advocates for more historically-informed criticism, citing influences ranging from Adam Curtis documentaries to post-1945 American painting as essential in contextualizing today’s cultural output. Quotes to Remember: “Criticism is about unpacking the experience—describing the thing that moved you, and understanding why.”— Elwyn Palmerton “Social media teaches us to perform like, not think critically. But criticism is how we grow.”— Javier Proenza Where to Follow Elwyn Palmerton:Substack: Flowers Grow IRL — elwyn.substack.comInstagram: @elwynpalmerton About the Podcast:What’s My Thesis? is a podcast that examines art, philosophy, and culture through longform, unfiltered conversations. Hosted by artist Javier Proenza, each episode challenges assumptions and invites listeners to engage deeply with creative and intellectual ideas beyond surface-level discourse.

    1 h y 6 min

  4. 9 MAR

    251 What’s My Thesis? – Live from Orange Coast College: Dakota Noot on Art, Censorship & Community Building

    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: 🎨 Curating at Scale – The logistics of organizing a multi-artist exhibition featuring some of the most exciting voices in contemporary art. 🚧 Art & Censorship – Noot shares their experience navigating artistic censorship in California, reflecting on how institutions handle politically charged and boundary-pushing work. 🌎 Southern California Art Networks – A deep dive into the relationships between artists across Los Angeles, San Diego, and beyond, and how these connections influence the broader art ecosystem. 🖌️ From Performance to Painting – Noot’s artistic shift from mixed-media works and large-scale cutouts to painting, influenced by Japanese cinema, body horror, and underground aesthetics. 🎙️ The Role of Podcasts in Art Documentation – How What’s My Thesis? has evolved into a living archive, capturing vital conversations with contemporary artists, curators, and thinkers. This episode is a testament to the power of collaboration and artistic community. With over 250 episodes, What’s My Thesis? remains a crucial platform for in-depth discussions on contemporary art and culture. 📌 Follow Dakota Noot on Instagram: @DakotaNoot📌 Support the Podcast on Patreon: patreon.com/whatsmythesis 🔹 Listen Now & Subscribe for exclusive artist interviews, curatorial insights, and behind-the-scenes perspectives shaping today’s contemporary art world. #ContemporaryArt #ArtPodcast #DakotaNoot #WhatsMyThesis #ArtCuration #SouthernCaliforniaArt #ArtistInterview #GalleryDirector #ExhibitionDesign #ArtCommunity

    1 h y 19 min

  5. 2 MAR

    250 The Business of Art: Building a Sustainable Market with Tyler Park Presents

    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 🌐 Website: Tyler Park Presents📸 Instagram: @tylerpark_presents 🎧 Listen Now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a 5-star review and support the podcast on Patreon for early access and exclusive content. #ArtMarket #GalleristLife #EmergingArtists #ArtCollectors #ArtWorld #MuseumAcquisitions #TylerParkPresents #ContemporaryArt

    1 h y 10 min

  6. 23 FEB

    249 Exploring the Weird and Wonderful: Art, Aliens, and Roadside Attractions Episode - Mary Sabo

    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: 🔹 The allure of roadside attractions like Salvation Mountain and the House on the Rock 🔹 The intersection of art and conspiracy, from New Age magazines to "wish machines" 🔹 Growing up in Las Vegas and its influence on creativity and access to counterculture 🔹 The fascination with Area 51, UFOs, and the extraterrestrial highway 🔹 The artistic drive to create immersive worlds, from outsider artists to casino architecture 🔹 A deep dive into alchemy, manifestation devices, and the power of belief If you’ve ever been captivated by the strange, the speculative, or the surreal, this episode is for you. From the neon glow of the Vegas Strip to the high desert mysteries beyond, we explore how geography, history, and myth intertwine in the creative process. 🎨 Follow Mary Sabo:🔗 Website: Marysabo.net 📷 Instagram: @mary_.sabo 🔮 Join the conversation: Have you encountered a bizarre roadside attraction or had a UFO sighting? Drop us a comment or tag us in your stories! 📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! 🔥 Get early access to episodes on Patreon! patreon.com/whatsmythesis #Podcast #LasVegas #UFOs #RoadsideAttractions #OutsiderArt #CreativeObsession #ConspiracyCulture #DesertMysticism

    1 h y 14 min

  7. 9 FEB

    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

    1 h y 15 min

  8. 2 FEB

    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

    1 h y 8 min
Ver todo (254)

4.8
de 5
23 calificaciones

Acerca de

Every week, artists teach Javier Proenza.

Información

  • Creador
    Javier Proenza
  • Años de actividad
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodios
    254
  • Clasificación
    Explícito
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2017. All rights reserved.
  • Mostrar sitio web
    What’s My Thesis?

También te podría interesar

Para escuchar episodios explícitos, inicia sesión.

Mantente al día con este programa

Inicia sesión o regístrate para seguir programas, guardar episodios y enterarte de las últimas novedades.
Elige un país o región

Africa, Oriente Medio e India

Asia-Pacífico

Europa

Latinoamérica y el Caribe

Estados Unidos y Canadá