maurice Leoni-osion

MULTIDISCIPLINARY ARTIST & DIRECTOR

BIOGRAPHY

I am a Multidisciplinary Artist and Director from the vibrant city of Richmond, VA. My creative journey is deeply rooted in the rich culture of Hip-Hop, which serves as a powerful source of inspiration for my work across various artistic mediums, including poetry, music, photography, films, art programs, exhibitions, and immersive cultural experiences. My passion lies in using these artistic forms to celebrate the compelling stories of our youth, our communities, and the wisdom of our ancestors.

Since I can remember, Hip-Hop has been a constant presence in my life, akin to an extended family member. It has played a pivotal role in shaping my identity and artistic expression, and at an early age, I delved into its underground community, exploring its many facets. I vividly recall digging through my grandma's cherished record collection and getting reprimanded for my early graffiti endeavors, tagging walls with Crayolas crayons. I witnessed family members perform acrobatic dance moves at cookouts and reunions, listened to Muhammad Ali kick rhymes predicting his knockouts, and resampled the unique fashion aesthetics of my aunts and uncles. As a result, these experiences nurtured an environment for me to foster a spirit of creativity and fearlessness, igniting my passion for storytelling and becoming the cornerstone of my artistic practice as an artist, educator, and director.

As an Art Program Director, I've harnessed this creative power within hip-hop to establish dynamic art workshops, programs, and residencies across various mediums to foster resources for youth and professional artists to create pathways to health and mindfulness, creative development, social entrepreneurship, and building communities.

PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

ART PROGRAM DIRECTOR

2023

The Home Remixtape Artchives, Educator, Oyoun, Berlin, DE
An art workshop utilizing the creation of home mixtapes as an archival approach to document, protect, and preserve untold stories centered around the home experience.
The Atlas Artist Residency Program, Director, ART180, Richmond, VA
A younique summer residency where ten aspiring youth artists undergo an art intensive mentorship with two professional teaching artists.

2022 - 2020

Hoppin on Hanover, Creative Director/Booking, Richmond, VA
An intimate front porch concert series in response to COVID provided local bands with an opportunity to supplement their canceled touring schedules that neighborhood locals supported

2022 - CURRENT

The Easel, Creative Director, ART180, Richmond, VA.
A monthly public art series highlighting professional artists in a live art-making experience and exhibition, providing audiences with the opportunity to connect with emerging artists and grow a deeper appreciation of the arts in public spaces.

2021

Afroabstraction, Co-Creative Director, Commonhouse, Richmond, VA
The AfroAbstraction workshop series encouraged free creative exploration while informing the community of the great legacy of the black abstract artists Alma Thomas, Norman Lewis, Chakaia Booker, and Jack Whitten, inspiring the community to create their art pieces each week inspired by these abstract art trailblazers.

2019 & 2018

Live At Väsen, Creative Director/Booking, Väsen Brewing Company, Richmond, VA
A local brewing company of the outdoors celebrated its 1st and 2nd anniversary with music festivals featuring Bio Ritmo, Black Alley, Illiterate Light, Minor Poet, and more.

2019 - 2016

Know Your HipHopstory, Director/Instructor Richmond Public Libraries, Richmond, VA
An art-educational workshop series that explores art, literature, music, history, and the impacts Hip Hop has had on the globe. Where participants develop skills in songwriting and music productions to communicate their younique stories. Additional Organizations: VCU, Charthouse, and ART180.

PERFORMING ARTIST

2020

TEDx Youth Performance, Collegiate High, Richmond, VA
with PhotoSynthesizers, Roscoe Brown, and Angelica Garcia.
Music Performance at Richmond Music Hall, Richmond, VA
with PhotoSythesizers and Seratones

2019

SPARC Live Art Theater Performance, Altria Theater, Richmond, VA
with Jasson Miraz, Hanson, Christ Stille, Korie Withers, and Daniel Clarke.
Music Performance at Seattle Drum School, Seattle, WA
with THE MEM,

2018

Opening Ceremony, Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), Richmond, VA

2017

Music Performance at The High Dive, Seattle, WA
with THE MEM

2016

Headliner Culture World Music & Art Festival, Pipestem, WV

2015

SWAG JAM, Badehaus, Berlin, DE

2014

Homecoming Music Performance St.Paul's College, Lawrenceville, VA
with Trina
Music Performance at Kung Fu Necktie, Philadelphia, PA
with GDAG, PhotoSynthesizers, Camae, aka Moore Mother

2013

Fall Line Festival, The Hippodrome, Richmond, VA
with NO B.S Brass Band and Big Freedia

2011

Music Performance at The Hatfoctory, Richmond, VA
with Bone Thugs & Harmony
Homecoming Music Performance at Longwood University, Farmville, VA
with Yung Yoc,

2012

Shadrock Music Festival, Brown's Island, Richmond, VA
with Dela Soul and Shabazz Palaces
PhotoSynthesizers at The National, Richmond, VA
with Black Liquid, Constellations, and Snoop Dogg
Homecoming Music Performance Goucher College Baltimore, MD
with PhotoSynthesizers

2010

Domion Riverock Festival, Browns Island, Richmond, VA.
with Soul Live and Lettuce

SONGWRITER & MUSIC PRODUCER