Dysmas Orbis

Robert John is a London-based author, artist and designer from Tooting, South London, of Pakistani descent. His work spans fiction, visual art and experiential design, rooted in a practice called What I See When - an exploration of surrealism, perception and the hidden layers of the world around us.The idea was inspired by his late father, who lived with Parkinson's disease and Parkinson's dementia, and began perceiving things invisible to others. That experience became the foundation of Robert's artistic and literary world.He has worked across iconic brands including the BBC, and his experiential design work includes major IP activations at the Design Museum and ExCeL London. His visual art book LDN Reimagined was traditionally published and earned an endorsement from writer Iain Sinclair. Dysmas Orbis won First Prize in the LONDNR Magazine Incomplete Writing Contest in partnership with Bloodhound Books in 2024.

"His London is animate, alarming, astonishing."- Iain Sinclair, author of London Orbital"Gripping and assured, this urban fantasy explores coming-of-age themes of homelessness on the streets of London. Solomon's relationship with his uncle Amicus and their friendships with others along the way are well-developed and poignant. I was emotionally invested in the character conflicts, and I so enjoyed being immersed in this pacy, atmospheric and tense novel right up to the climactic ending. Richly and beautifully written, Dysmas Orbis is a tender story that will keep you turning the pages and stay with you long after the last page."- Ivy Ngeow,Award-winning author of The America Boyfriend"A brooding tale of fissured reality where freedom is swallowed whole."- Sudhana SinghAward-winning memoirist, journalist"Prepare to step into a gritty and mythical version of London, with secret societies and spider trees. Robert John has created an alternate London that feels both familiar and fantastical"- Tabish Khan, Art Critic for Londonist and Culture Whisper