Weaving magic birthed from the void.

A practice rooted in social justice and the exploration and understanding of our interconnected worlds.

Rawz is an Artist working in multiple mediums.

His story is one of exclusion, contrast, and determination against the odds, themes often explored throughout his diverse creative practice.

From leaving school without qualifications, to leading projects at world famous institutions, Rawz has navigated a journey which stands as testament to his resilient character, and strong work ethic.

Growing up in one of the UK’s most under-served areas - Greater Leys in Oxford, Hip Hop became his first creative language. He discovered lyric writing in his early teens, using it as a self guided therapy, an essential way to channel his emotions and organise his thoughts. As his confidence and ability grew, he began to incorporate spoken word poetry into his practice after attending a course at a local community centre.

Now celebrated as one of Oxford's leading contemporary poets, Rawz has performed Hip Hop and spoken word all over Europe, collaborated with musicians from all over the world, and shared stages with some of his childhood heroes.

As his practice as a poet and musician developed, Rawz began to reconnect with other means of expression that had first excited him in his youth - Drawing, Film, Photography, Collage, Digital Art, Sculpture, Painting and more, he began bringing these diverse mediums together with his poetry and music to create immersive multimedia experiences.

Through the many languages of Art, Rawz shares his exploration of interconnection and interdependence. His responses to the human experience promote outer change and advancement through inner reflection and positive action, challenging existing power structures and representing marginalised voices.

Rawz has developed his own unique artistic practice and lead many creative projects, he is open to commissioning and collaboration, and offers a range of services.

Please fill the contact form to get in touch if you would like more info.

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PROJECTS

Digging Crates is an ongoing project focused on cultivating a deeper understanding of human creativity and expression. By examining the intersection of colonialism, museums, and ancient and modern art forms through the lens of Hip Hop, Rawz and his collaborators connect us with common themes that drive the human desire to create.

EPOCH

Simultaneously a University Research Project, an interactive Art Exhibition, and a conceptual Hip Hop Album, EPOCH is "The World's First Hip Hop Time Machine". A series of immersive spaces populated with technology and objects that defined 5 time periods, from the 1950s and into the near future, sharing stories of some less recognised innovators of the past. A bespoke soundtrack was created using historic technology and techniques; from making Hip Hop in a fully functional 1950s recording studio, to collaborating with a world leading A.I. Specialist to imagine how the music of the future might be made.

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A collection of Spoken Word that comes together to form a walking tour. Inspired by stories connected with 11 locations in central Oxford, it’s not about the University or any fictional/political/academic character, it’s about the real people who have walked the streets beneath the city's iconic dreaming spires.

PRACTICE

An emerging Visual Artist with an expanding catalogue of works, Rawz experiments with a range of media including Film, Sculpture, Collage, Painting, Drawing, and Photography, often combining these elements with each other and with his Music and Poetry to create immersive conceptual experiences.

Published in print for the first time in late 2023, Rawz has also written numerous articles, blogs and reports for various outlets on a range of subjects.

SERVICES

Described as an intelligent and earnest speaker, Rawz has participated in panel discussions and spoken publicly on a wide range of subjects and offers a unique and nuanced perspective.

Rawz set up The Urban Music Foundation in 2009. Under this banner he delivers a wide range of creative activities with people aged 5 to 95 in a variety of settings. Collaborating with a wide network of professional creatives or working solo, through U.M.F., Rawz offers Mentoring, Tutoring, Music and Art based Workshops, Character Education projects, Public Engagement work, various types of Research and many other youth, community and/or creativity focused endeavours.

Get in Touch

To enquire about working with Rawz, find out more about his projects or for anything else, get in touch by filling a contact form.

Rawz will get back to you as soon as possible.

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PARTNER ORGANISATIONS

Rawz works closely with multiple partner organisations in his creative work, and his practice as a youth, community and public engagement practitioner.

Find out more about these trusted partners.

Clicking on the relevant icon will take you to the organisation's website.