Martine Syms
A guide to the moving image artists that move culture.
Who is Martine Syms?
Martine Syms is a multidisciplinary artist from Los Angeles. She finished her studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and received a MFA from Bard College. She lives and works in Los Angeles.
The artist as Conceptual Entrepreneur
Syms' interests encompass a variety of media – publishing, moving image, photography, installations, performance and software programming, through which she conveys her research-driven exploration into concepts of contemporary Black identity and femininity, queer theory, and the role of language in communicating ideas. Her artistic practice integrates humor and satire to reference and comprehend theories of performed or imposed identities, the impact of gesture and prevailing assumptions surrounding gender and racial inequalities.
She likewise focuses on how modern technologies, such as smartphones and computers, and social media shape and define individual perceptions of identity. For her, video is a valued means of conveying important messages concisely, aiding individuals in constructing unique identities, and footage gathered from social media and other sources is intertwined into her works. Syms sees herself as a Conceptual Entrepreneur, who stands firmly for financial self-determination through sustainable institutions.
Where has Syms' work been shown?
Her videos, installations and other media have been acquired for public collections in museums both in the United States and Europe. These include the Museum of Modern Art in New York; the Kadist Foundation in Paris; Carré d'art - Musée d'art contemporain in Nîmes; Tate Modern in London; and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Her films have been screened at REDCAT in Los Angeles, Glasgow Film Festival, Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, Salzburger Kunstverein, International Film Festival Rotterdam and Institute of Contemporary Arts in London.
What awards and recognitions have been given to Syms?
Syms has earned her several awards and fellowships as recognition for her achievements. These include: Creative Capital Award (2021), Herb Alpert Award (2022), and fellowships at the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
What additional projects and activities is Syms involved in?
Syms previously taught at the California Institute of the Arts. She also does commissioned work for brands including Nike, Prada, and Celine.
Where can I find more information about Martine Syms?
To find out more about the artist visit her site. Syms is repesented by Sadie Coles HQ and Sprüth Magers.