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From poets to painters, London-based artist and artistic director of 180 Studios Ivan Michael Blackstock runs through his up-and-coming artists to watch.
Julian Knxx poet and artist
‘His poetry is political, because he’s speaking his truth. The way the structures of society are fixed, when a young black male expresses themselves it gets political. He’s not just a poet, he directs, he makes music, he’s got his own studio, he’s a young renaissance man. I’m glad he’s starting to be seen.’ Follow Julian on Instagram @julianknxx
Jazz Grant collage artist and animator
‘Her collages have a lot to do with identity, and there’s a clear Black voice behind it. There’s a lot of close-ups of faces and cut-outs of bodies and silhouettes. There’s a lens of the Black experience that we keep seeing and her work shows an alternative lens – I feel like she’s pulled out the dream aspects of the Black experience.’ Follow Jazz on Instagram @jazzgrantstudio
Dreya Mac dancer, singer and rapper
‘I came across Dreya at the dance studios in south London where I was teaching. Last year she released her debut single and I was like: Wow, she sings and raps too. It’s exciting seeing a dancer expressing themselves fully and using their voice. I’m interested to see what she’s going to say.’ Follow Dreya on Instagram @dreyamac
Karimah Hassan street artist
‘She created this project during the pandemic where she reached out to people for pictures of themselves and said: Tell me how you’re feeling. She painted them with those emotions. I think she’s painted about 150 people from around the world. She’s definitely one to look out for.’ ‘The Strangers Yearbook’, Coal Drops Yard. Until Jun 10.
Follow Ivan on Instagram @ivanmichaelblackstock.