New Folk: Rew
19th July 2024
![](https://thedifferentfolk.imgix.net/smaller_Night-Pan.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=1&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-2.1.1&w=2000&s=9432d4d79d1bcd1f142767bf5efdc9ce)
The work of Cairo-based Rew (AKA Mariam ElReweny) spans digital illustrations, art direction, mural design and movie posters. Her background in oils can be seen across her portfolio: from a sun-dappled portrait of Coco Gauff for Wimbledon, to her Sudan-set animation for Unicef, to her vintage movie-style doodle for Google.
![](https://thedifferentfolk.imgix.net/smaller_love-A.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=1&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-2.1.1&w=2000&s=024c231a10857769635463a8976991c1)
“Drawing was the thing I loved the most, as soon as I learned that I can do that for a living I didn’t think twice,” says Rew. “I’m inspired by everything I see and hear: the people around me, the movies I watch, colour combinations in nature.”
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Rew says she is inspired by the fashion world. She often depicts characters in interesting garments, in her self-described style of ‘unrealistic reality,’ inspired by the craftsmanship of the great designers. “I practised my fabric drawing by using clothing as a reference,” she explains. “I fell in love with fashion, and now follow the scene, watching documentaries about old designers and beginning to see their pieces as art.”
![](https://thedifferentfolk.imgix.net/smaller_coco-Wimbledon.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=1&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-2.1.1&w=2000&s=53e7abbb624dad17d70d1228283b30eb)
Expect much more golden-hour imagery and half-past-midnight Saharan skies from Rew.
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