Whats My Thesis?

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

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 painti

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 educa

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 curiou

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

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 dec

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.