Martine Syms

“Martine Syms' Kita's World resurrects the "ghetto fabulous" animated host of MTV's music video show "Cita's World" (1999-2003). The cyber diva dishes pop cultural and spiritual guidance; commentating on 90s hip hop videos and leading “digital detoxes” to prevent her from “losing her mind” from excessive screen time. Syms creates a virtual-reality where the grievances of existing in a hyper-digitized world are confronted in unapologetic slang and with a fierce attitude. Watch clips from the series at the link above courtesy of the Video Data Bank at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.”

““Martine Syms has earned wide recognition for a practice that combines conceptual grit, humor and social commentary. Using a combination of video, installation and performance, often interwoven with explorations into technique and narrative, Syms examines representations of Blackness and its relationship to vernacular, feminist thought, and radical traditions. Syms’s research-based practice frequently references and incorporates theoretical models concerning performed or imposed identities, the power of the gesture, and embedded assumptions concerning gender and racial inequalities.” Syms’ work holds a significant place in my research specifically in relation to Black femme representation and costuming. She assumes personas, creates digital avatars, and uses her own embodiment as a character in her work. Her series, Kita’s World is featured in the Video Viewing Room.mov collection.”