Martine Syms

The title ‘STRAIT’ of this artist book by Martine Syms evokes ideas of constriction and limitation like that of a straitjacket, yet is not dissimilar from the term ‘straight’ used to describe heterosexuality. The ambiguity of this title follows on through the contents of the publication that includes a detached paper booklet of a series of diary extracts written on 04/20 dating back to 2011. The blue embossed publication presents a selection of photography from inside a now defunct Detroit record store; close-ups of record covers, group portraits and pot plants capture a grainy collaged memory of the life once lived in this black-owned American business.

STRAIT was published in 2021 by Études Books N°23, a Paris-based Fashion brand that collaborates across medias and talents from diverse backgrounds.