Latest Shape collaboration: Samiir was commissioned for a performance of his work at the 2023 Shape Open exhibition, Open All Hours.

Artist Statement: Samiir Saunders (he/they) is a multimedia poet from Birmingham working in spoken word, alternative hip-hop, and performance art.

Samiir’s work aims to arm individuals and communities with the tools to be curious, compassionate, and vulnerable in their everyday lives. Samiir often explores themes such as grind culture, isolation, shame, (mis)communication, intimacy, and the Internet.

Samiir’s work has featured at Ikon Gallery, Jerwood Space, La Gaîté Lyrique, Channel 4 Random Acts, BBC Words First, Vivid Projects, Wales International Film Festival, Tramlines Festival, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Supernormal Festival, and Outfest.

 

‘Up all night reading poetry’ (2021) by Samiir Saunders, on display at Open All Hours.

Check out Samiir's website   See all the artists we work with

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Banner image: Samiir, a black performer with a short beard and black cap sings into the microphone. He wears a white lacey long sleeved top with a striped dress over the top. With his right arm raised, he holds the microphone close to his mouth.