We had the good fortune of connecting with Daena Title and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Daena, is there anything interesting you’ve read recently that you can share with us?
I have been trying to make this point for decades! A whole bunch of Museum work is soft porn disguised as art created for the Male Gaze. Brava Art Activist Barbie for finding a succinct way to say this visually. https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/apr/16/art-activist-barbie-protester-feminist-agenda?CMP=share_btn_fb&fbclid=IwAR2P73nyxpn1jn4bMlht8l3u1-2Tk43ynJPhHxbWeVo0MVWhoILdwus55N4
Runner up: watch Jill Soloway’s (Transparent) podcast about the “Male Gaze”. Her contention– whoever owns the stories owns the culture–So true! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnBvppooD9I
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What will it be like after the Pandemic? Up till now, I’ve used my art to rage on Feminist topics. I look forward to a time when we can worry about that again. And I worry about all the mid-size and small galleries. How many of them will weather this storm?? And I long for the crushed, noisy community of art openings. When will they be back? We were so cavalier about crowds. So accustomed to the pulse of the city… in the meantime, we have Voyage–thank you– and all our on line showcases. And, yes, it’s a blessing that this Pandemic hits in this decade/century in terms of the technology we have to unite us and connect us, but how I long for the Pre “P” days.
Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
In a Pre or Post Pandemic world: Venice and Muscle beaches on the weekend to see the Circus performers and try out the Swing-A-Ring and the Flying Trapeze. The stables by the Hollywood sign for a trail ride. The Improv scene: UCB shows, The Improvised Shakespeare Co often at the Largo Coronet; Improvised Jane Austen from the “Impro Theatre” troupe. LA Gallery scene- any neighborhood. LA Museums– LACMA; Getty (both); MOCA; Norton Simon. The Farmers Market on 3rd for The Tourist experience and the food. Cafe Gratitude (or “Attitude”) for a true LA experience including their thought provoking (or pretentious) “question of the day. Hike the Runyon Canyon path and see all the dogs running free, ending with a selfie at the top with the City panorama behind.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Didi Menendez of PoetsArtists.com Tireless and loving advocate for Figurative artists
Website: daenatitle.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daena_title/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Daena-Title-Artist-238119243054749/
Other: Vimeo about “Drown the Dolls” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjVp-uLhHkc&t=28s
Nominate someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.