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