Martine Syms' 'She Mad' Installation at Glasgow's Tramway Explores Black Identity Through Video Works
Martine Syms' captivating multi-video installation, 'She Mad,' was showcased at Tramway in Glasgow from June 11 to July 25. This exhibition delved into themes of Black American identity and systemic inequality through various video pieces. 'S1:E1 A Pilot for a Show About Nowhere' (2015) reflects on the history of Black sitcoms, while 'Intro to Threat Modeling' (2017) critiques online Black identity. 'Laughing Gas' (2016) tackles the issues of dental expenses and historical disparities, and 'S1:E4' (2020) illustrates micro-aggressions using a sitcom format. The installation included nine frames of purple-painted metal stud walls, featuring monitors and warped mirrors. Rachel Willcocks' review noted the contrasts between American ideals and British portrayals of Blackness, as well as the venue's historical connections to the slave trade.
Key facts
- Martine Syms' exhibition 'She Mad' ran from June 11 to July 25 at Tramway in Glasgow
- The installation included video works S1:E1 A Pilot for a Show About Nowhere (2015), Intro to Threat Modeling (2017), Laughing Gas (2016), and S1:E4 (2020)
- S1:E1 features clips from Black sitcoms like Girlfriends, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Black-ish, and The Cosby Show
- Laughing Gas references Edwin Porter's 1907 film featuring early Black actress Bertha Regustus
- The exhibition included distorted mirrors that altered audience reflections
- Rachel Willcocks reviewed the exhibition as Glasgow International/ArtReview writer in residence
- Tramway's floor contains remnants of nineteenth-century tram-track lines linked to slave trade wealth
- Works explore themes of Black identity, systemic inequality, and contrasts between American and British representations
Entities
Artists
- Martine Syms
- Edwin Porter
- Bertha Regustus
- Rachel Willcocks
Institutions
- Tramway
- Glasgow International
- ArtReview
Locations
- Glasgow
- Scotland
- United Kingdom