Spoken Word Meets Immersive Art
Last week, FRAMELESS came alive with the launch of Art of Expression – our summer-long collaboration with George the Poet and the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU). This unique project puts young voices centre stage through powerful spoken word, blending poetry with art in our immersive Galleries.
From the moment guests arrived, the energy was electric. A buzzing crowd of press, friends and family, and specially invited guests were welcomed with drinks, music, and an atmosphere full of anticipation. As visitors were guided into The World Around Us Gallery, the tone shifted – the upbeat music gave way to a more contemplative soundscape, setting the mood for the emotional performances ahead.
Kicking off the evening
Rosie O’Connor, Art Curator at FRAMELESS, kicked off the evening by describing Art of Expression as something truly special, introducing the project’s aim: to empower young people to respond to art with their own stories. Hosted by Jerome from the VRU, the event featured incredible performances from members of the Young People’s Action Group. Safa, Raf, and Joshua delivered emotionally charged spoken word pieces inspired by the Gallery visuals – from erupting volcanoes to Hokusai’s Great Wave and Rembrandt’s dramatic seascapes. Their confidence, vulnerability, and creative force filled the room.
George the Poet shared his own journey – from growing up in the “rhyme scene” to becoming a spoken word artist, podcast creator, and now FRAMELESS collaborator. His performance, inspired by Grimshaw’s Reflection on the Thames, was met with complete silence and then an eruption of appreciative finger clicks, the spoken word tradition.
After a short interval (with a side of delicious mini burgers and hotdogs), the event moved into Beyond Reality, our dreamlike mirrored Gallery, where the second set of performances took place. Acts from Tafari, Olivia, Zubin and Asha took inspiration from Dali, Bosch and more – seamlessly blending voice and visual. The result was a surreal, moving journey through both imagination and personal truth.
Wrapping up a powerful evening
The evening closed with powerful words from Lib Peck, the Director of the VRU, who summed up the campaign’s spirit: “Nothing about us without us.” The performances were not just moving – they were proof of what happens when young people are truly heard.
As the audience erupted into applause and the performers, the FRAMELESS team and VRU came together for a final bow, one thing was clear: this was just the beginning.
More to Come This Summer
Art of Expression is more than a one-night event. Spoken word pieces by George the Poet and the young VRU artists are now available to experience daily inside FRAMELESS as you experience the immersive art that inspired the spoken word.
Throughout the summer holidays, FRAMELESS will also host free spoken word workshops for young people aged 8+, supporting the next generation of storytellers and artists.