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.

🎨 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

🔹 Listen Now & Subscribe for exclusive artist interviews, curatorial insights, and behind-the-scenes perspectives shaping today’s contemporary art world.

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