‘Soul in the Machine’, a Journey of the Soul through a Technological World

Image above: The Scriptors - Limited edition print on Canvas Paper / Photo by Nurain Jamal / Image courtesy of Soul City Arts and artist

Khyle Alexander Raja, an architect and artist from Warwickshire, England, explores the relationship between landscapes, technology and metaphysics through vivid architectural visions, dynamic poetry and lucid commentary. This exploration of the relationship between humanity, technology and architecture has a parallel metaphysical narrative, dealing with specific issues facing people in the 21st century, namely constant technological innovation, the limitations of man’s artifice and the heedlessness of mass consumption/production.

The Scriptors by Khyle Alexander Raja / Image courtesy of Soul City Arts and artist

The Desert by Khyle Alexander Raja / Image courtesy of Soul City Arts and artist

The Anomaly by Khyle Alexander Raja / Image courtesy of Soul City Arts and artist

Having had a passion for drawing cities and science fiction since early childhood, Khyle studied architecture for five years at the University of Nottingham. There, under the tutelage of the infamous Studio 9X, he studied a radical, theoretical and hand drawn approach to the discipline. In his Diploma thesis, Khyle developed a distinctive style of highly detailed pen and ink coupled with digital layering and manipulation. The thesis examined modern culture, technology and architecture in twenty six drawings and a 20,000 word treatise on a new approach called Artifice, or world building.

On the path to seek knowledge, Khyle continues to study, write and draw. He takes inspiration from his faith, cutting edge technologies, conceptual art and the incredible phenomena of the universe. Khyle works for Blackstone Architects in London and continues to develop his art and knowledge. He is also a member of SLAMSHED, a fraternity of young, radical architects from across the globe.

Left: The Nuclear Fusion System by Khyle Alexander Raja / Image courtesy of Soul City Arts and artist. Right: The Redeemers by Khyle Alexander Raja / Image courtesy of Soul City Arts and artist

The Dust Field by Khyle Alexander Raja / Image courtesy of Soul City Arts and artist

The Oil Rafinery by Khyle Alexander Raja / Image courtesy of Soul City Arts and artist

The Crucibles by Khyle Alexander Raja / Image courtesy of Soul City Arts and artist

The Loom by Khyle Alexander Raja / Image courtesy of Soul City Arts and artist

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The Laboratory Door by Khyle Alexander Raja / Image courtesy of Soul City Arts and artist

The exhibition will take place in Birmingham’s unique Hubb Gallery with a public launch taking place on Wednesday Dec 14th (6pm-8pm), where Khyle Raja will be speaking about his art and the public are invited. Other artists at the launch, will be spoken word artist David J Pugilist, who will perform in response to the visuals from Khyle Raja and percussionist Daniel Waples will also be performing on the night, playing one of the rarest drums in the world - the Hang Drum

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Exhibition will be available for viewing after the launch event, everyday Monday-Friday 10.30am-4.30pm until February 2012.

Soul City Arts is an organization founded by award-winning visual artist & producer Mohammed Ali, who over the last ten years has been pioneering a style which merges Islamic script and patterns with urban street-art resulting in a unique style that he describes as bringing together ‘the best of both worlds’. Soul City Arts launched one of the first contemporary art-spaces that was Muslim lead and inspired, called The Hubb in April 2010.  The name ‘The Hubb’ was a deliberate play of words, in English meaning, a centre from which things radiate, and in Arabic meaning ‘Love’. The Hubb is located in the city of Birmingham, which is Britain’s second city, and is renowned for its ethnic diversity and large Muslim population.