USA (Commonwealth Union)_ Neema Githere, a Nairobi-born writer, artist and theorist based in Los Angeles, has emerged as a significant voice in contemporary art and digital culture, weaving together themes of Afropresentism, digital diaspora, and the fusion of African diaspora culture with technology. Githere’s work spans a diverse range of mediums from writing to coding, community organizing to image-making, all underscored by a profound exploration of identity and connectivity in the digital age. According to Githere, “Afropresentism is the indigenous technology of connection and love, informs everything about how I move around the world, the things I take notice of, and what I do with them”.
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At the heart of Githere’s practice lies Afropresentism, a concept that navigates the complexities of Black and African diaspora experiences in the present day. Initially rooted in Afrofuturism, Afropresentism has evolved into a dynamic framework that merges archives, documentary, and fine arts with new media. It serves not only as a lens through which Githere examines the contemporary world but also as a guiding principle for their world-building projects both online and offline. Githere’s journey into Afropresentism began with the Digital diaspora project, which explores how Black diasporic communities utilize the internet for identity formation and cultural expression. This initiative, inspired by the early innovations of Black cyberculture, investigates the intersection of race, technology, and memory in digital spaces. Through meticulous research and engagement, Githere has highlighted marginalized narratives and communities across the globe, such as Black Brazilian women, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for authentic representation.
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Reflecting on their own digital coming-of-age, Githere acknowledges the dual nature of the internet as both a tool for empowerment and a space of algorithmic distortion and coercive marketing. They assess the transformation of Afrofuturism from a radical theory into a diluted aesthetic, emphasizing the importance of grounding artistic practice in the complexities of contemporary existence rather than speculative futures alone. Githere’s work transcends conventional boundaries, integrating theoretical discourse with practical interventions aimed at healing collective “data trauma.” Their project, “Data Healing: A Call for Repair,” conceptualizes social media platforms as sites of emotional and psychological impact, offering readers a toolkit that combines theory, speculative fiction, and coding exercises. This innovative approach invites participants to reimagine their relationship with technology through introspection and creative expression.
Central to Githere’s artistic ethos is a deep respect for Indigenous philosophies of land and belonging. Drawing parallels between mycelia networks and digital connectivity, they advocate for a re-Indigenization process that honors ancestral knowledge while navigating contemporary technological landscapes. This commitment to Indigenous ways of being is exemplified in Githere’s ongoing exploration of natural environments across the globe, seeking to integrate these experiences into their artistic practice. Looking ahead, Githere plans to expand their research into the Black Pacific, exploring intersections of queerness and identity within diverse cultural contexts. Hence, this journey towards re-Indigenization represents a critical evolution in Githere’s artistic trajectory, moving beyond mere decolonization to embrace a transformative vision of cultural resurgence and interconnectedness.
Neema Githere’s work stands as a testament to the power of art and technology to reshape narratives and foster healing within global communities. Through their exploration of Afropresentism and the digital diaspora, Githere not only challenges prevailing norms but also invites us to reconsider our relationship with digital landscapes and historical memory. As they continue to push the boundaries of artistic expression and cultural critique, Githere remains committed to honoring the past, engaging with the present, and envisioning a more inclusive and connected future. In a world where identities are increasingly shaped by digital interactions, Neema Githere emerges as a visionary artist exploring the digital diaspora whose work transcends boundaries, offering profound insights into the complexities of contemporary existence and the enduring power of cultural heritage.
