meet mo
Kareem Williams, otherwise known as Mo, is first and foremost a student of life. Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, he is shaped by faith, family, close friendships, and the lessons learned through daily experiences. He recently began his professional journey in college athletics, where he has continued to develop a heart for servant leadership, mentorship, and the holistic well-being of student-athletes. As a follower of Christ, Kareem believes that the key to a prosperous life is found in your willingness to listen.
Long before creating MOMEDIUMS, Kareem showed signs of a mind kin to an artist. He had the spirit of a maverick, often times going against the grain. Full of genuine curiosity and questions that often stumped his elders, he began diving deeper into pools of introspection and self-reflection, accepting the notion that he thinks and sees differently.
Fast forward to 2024, the year Kareem first found his love for photography. Since then, MOMEDIUMS has become the space in which Kareem practices the expression of these lifelong pursuits and philosophies. For Kareem, the act of contemplation soon became more than a hobby, but a way of life.
Behind the scenes, Kareem engages in a plethora of activities if he isn’t working on a masterpiece, he’s probably engaging in exercise, golf, snowboarding, or spending quality time with friends and family. As he continues to grow, he’s made friends with vulnerability, an open book, not afraid to admit that he probably spends too much time yearning, as a former athlete, has ugly feet, and in the shower, he sings.
"I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life." - 1 Corinthians 9:22 MSG
"I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life." - 1 Corinthians 9:22 MSG
Momediums Origin
MOMEDIUMS stems from a journey of self-reflection and continual spiritual growth.
Founder Kareem Williams, impacted by the passing of a close friend, felt a call to create something in response not only to honor him, but to address issues concerning mental health. Witnessing that life could be taken away at any moment, Kareem wanted to find a way to depict the sacred and yet fickle nature of the human experience. He was inspired to create a platform, home to community and artistic expression where melodies could be made out of both life’s monumental and mundane. He realized that his passion for music and gift for visual art could both empower others and foster his own personal growth through storytelling. MOMEDIUMS is not just a creative outlet, but a movement anchored by the belief that experience is the best teacher, encouraging us to eagerly share them amongst each other. Kareem ultimately came to the conclusion that creativity, when led by the spirit, could broaden perspectives, transform lives, and cultivate a powerful sense of unity.
One Message, Multiple Mediums
Creativity is one of the few languages containing universal appeal. Mo and team strive to use multiple mediums of art and creative endeavors to express and explore the true nature of the human heart. Similar to the components that make up a great movie film, Kareem believes that telling one story through the integration of various mediums creates greater space for others to resonate. Each medium is strong enough to stand alone, but together, they evoke an inspiring sense of emotions.
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With the word of God serving as the foundation for everything you will ever see shared by Momediums, this is the most critical aspect of Kareem’s artistic process and practice.
Expressed in the form of journal entries, poetry, written reflections, essays, memoirs, and inside jokes between him and his creator.
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Visual storytelling is used to serve as the primary source of context. Each frame captured throughout this journey contributes to the bigger picture and broader message of harmony.
Expressed in the form of photography (both digital and film)
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Music is often used by Kareem to guide the audience, observer, or listener in a specific direction. Sometimes serving as the emotional undertone, and other times serving as the lead vocal. He uses sound to set scenes that eventually end up on your walls or phone screens.
Expressed through the use of carefully curated playlists, social media posts, and soundscapes that align with the mood, tone, or emotion of a concept, idea, or event. The music invites listeners to come to a place of reflection and connection.
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Together all three of these mediums used by Kareem are intended to minister to those who believe while preparing the hearts of those who wish to see more clearly.
Kareem considers himself both a mentor and mentee, so he created a space for himself, fellow artists, leaders, teachers, and believers to practice WHILE they preach. This is home to a community of Individuals growing together through shared experiences, profound insights, creative exploration, and meaningful dialogue.
You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly... Ephesians 4:4 MSG
You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly... Ephesians 4:4 MSG
Mission of the MOMEDIUMS movement
MOMEDIUMS is a spirit-driven creative movement dedicated to cultivating a deeper sense of empowerment and unity between individuals from all walks. Momediums is rooted in sheer authenticity, influencing inner harmony through the combination of shared experiences and introspective storytelling. We employ a multitude of creative mediums that elicit immersive encounters, promote artistic expression, and encourage self-discovery. The outcome is a unique but rather familial depiction of the profound complexity of the human condition.
The Artist’s statement
My artistic practice lives at the intersection of word, sight, and sound, exploring the depths of the human heart. Together, these mediums form a cohesive language designed to reflect the homogeneous architecture of the human experience. I gravitate toward visual, audio, and written compositions that facilitate the space for individuals to contemplate. Whether the work pertains to solitude or community, the ultimate intention is to explore what we all as humans long for.
Connection.
Technically speaking, my visual work tends to revolve around people and places, using symmetry in composition to convey a sense of affinity between the subject and viewer. My written works bounce feverishly between introspection, observation, and universal calls to action. Meanwhile, the careful curation of songs and soundscapes serves as an extension of the same voice. One message, multiple mediums.
My stories exist beyond time & space. Not on any map, but in a real place. I consider the home for these stories to be the present moment. A state that lives beyond physical landscape. Here, I strive to document a broad collective of individuals from all walks of life: from young to old, friends & foes, from coast to coast. By spending time observing lives, I dive deeply into the uncharted territories of MINE.
I create intentionally for those who have the desire to see things from another angle. In my opinion, the middle is the only “side” — it’s the sacred terrain in which love resides. I’m led to believe that the Heart (middle) of life’s experiences is top of mind. The inspiration for my work can be found in life’s contradictions, polarities, and oxymorons. What drives my work is the questioning of human phenomenon… always striving to reveal how two opposing things are proof of one truth. I believe there’s a reason and season for both me and you.
Ultimately, my hope is that as you step deeper into this mind of mine, it's your own reflection you find. The work is meant not only for the viewer to enjoy the view but to serve as a blunt reminder that God’s talking directly to you. I believe our hearts give us eyes to see. My wish is that in an encounter with my work, you transcend the role of observer and truly experience “me” intimately. This platform is a tool I use to literally make history.
Are you listening?
Why the name “MOMEDIUMS”?
The name MOMEDIUMS is deeply personal and layered with meaning. Short for “Reemo”, “Mo” emerged as a childhood nickname given to Kareem by his father. “Mediums” in the brand name stems from Kareem’s love for all art forms and his heightened sensitivity to things comprehended in the spirit. Simply put, MOMEDIUMS can be summarized as a communicator who channels ideas, evokes emotion, and speaks through various mediums of art. As the quiet and observant middle child, he naturally embraces the role of mediation. The name embodies his mission to use art as a means for storytelling, mentorship, and community building, all while remaining fluid and limitless in efforts to express creatively. He’s reluctant to conform, despises labels, and refuses to be pigeonholed for fear of putting restrictions on his creative capacity.
Momediums Concluded
The ultimate goal of MOMEDIUMS is to introduce individuals to the elation of eternity. Here, we experience what it means to be fully human. MOMEDIUMS strives to convey that life isn’t necessarily meant to be understood, but to be experienced. It’s through the reflection and expression of these very experiences that we assign life’s meaning.