One poet’s visit to Misan Harriman’s, ‘The Purpose of Light’ exhibition at Hope 93 gallery, evolved into an opportunity for fellow poets to gather and connect. With each other, the exhibition, and their creativity.
“I am not a moment.” – How it started
My first visit to the exhibition was on a Thursday after work (24 July). It was a last-minute plan*, as my WFH day was now to be an on-site day. I messaged a friend, Rich, the night before and asked if he wanted to join me. We made a plan to meet at the gallery at 4.30 pm. (Read Reflections from ‘The Purpose of Light’, to find out more about that visit.)
I am not a moment
The statement, “I am not a moment”, captured my attention and wouldn’t leave me until I yielded to its call. I sat on one of the well-placed benches in the gallery and decided to do a free write. While I was writing, I was also musing on a couple of things.
The musings: 1) how cool it would be to invite some poets to experience the exhibition. 2) The faint thought of poetry event.
Additionally, at two different points, Misan joined me, and we held a mini-reasoning.
‘Be in no doubt of what I stand for.’
On my 2nd visit to the exhibition, this photo stopped me in my tracks. The words above sprang to mind, and before I left the gallery, others were added.
This photo wasn’t there on my first visit. The previously mentioned bench had been positioned directly and horizontally below where it now hung. Although I can’t 100% attest to it, I’m certain it wasn’t displayed anywhere else in the gallery. As I find it hard to imagine I wouldn’t have noticed it.
This second visit was the first fruit of the musings during my first visit. Two fellow poets, Neelofer Razia & Jackie Sear joined me. There was no strict agenda. It was simply an invitation to: just be, take in the exhibition, and if prompted by any images, to respond.
This was followed by a beautiful time of coffee and conversation at The Poetry Pharmacy on Oxford Street. Just a 5-minute walk away.
Seeing and hearing Neelofer’s and Jackie’s reactions and reflections, was the confirmation and catalyst I needed to feel the fear and do it anyway. The ‘it’ being DM-ing Misan about the second part of my musings.
At his direction, I reached out to Aki, the gallery owner, who was excited by the proposal. However, to use his words, time wasn’t on our side, so an event wasn’t possible. In retrospect, and based on public response, the proposed alternative is possibly as it was always destined to be.
The Purpose of Light – A Poetic Response
Between 24 July and 23 September, six poets visited The Purpose of Light exhibition.
Watch ‘The Why’ to find out more about what led to this moment and each poet’s individual ‘why’. The primary why? Misan’s powerful images compelled each of us to respond.
These responses culminated in a visual collaboration and acts of artivism, with Hope 93 and Misan. We recorded six poems in the gallery on National Poetry Day, which in itself was poetic. The poetry recordings were shared via social media platforms, including Misan’s and the gallery’s, between October 8 – 14, 2025.
The artivist (artist + activist) uses their artistic talents to fight and struggle against injustice and oppression—by any medium necessary. The artivist merges commitment to freedom and justice with the pen, the lens, the brush, the voice, the body, and the imagination. The artivist knows that to make an observation is to have an obligation.
M K Asante, It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop
Our poetry doesn’t speak for the images, as they speak for themselves. Rather, our poetry provides an additional lens through which people can see and engage with them.
#lapoesiaeslaunicaverdad
A comment in response to one of the poems. I might not say that poetry is the only truth, but it is definitely a powerful truth.
Thank you dearest for helping me to crack open and grieve
Birungiat, Instagram, October 2025
Hi Jackie
Jim Morris-Ridout, Instagram, October 2025
That’s me in the photo behind you.
I’m so honoured you chose to read this beautiful poem in front of that picture (tears)…
If you haven’t visited the exhibition yet, you have until Thursday, 30 October to do so. *Update* – The exhibition has been extended till the 8th is January, 2026.
Thank Yous
We want to express our thanks to Misan Harriman, for allowing us to pair our words with his photography, and Aki Abiola, for the opportunity to record in the gallery. Additional thanks goes to The Metaphorest (videographer) and Morlene Fisher (BTS photography & Six Poets Trailer). It is a moment we won’t forget.
The Poets
- Jackie Sear
- Neelofer Razia
- @themetaphorest + videography
- The 1Harris
- Ayah Speaks
- and Me @jjsmuse
Trailer & BTS Photography: Morlene Fisher (@morlenefisherphotography)
*I was originally due to visit the gallery 2 weeks later with my cousin. This visit had to be cancelled. Considering all that happened as an offshoot of the unplanned first visit, I find this interesting. I have also mused on what might have happened had the visit on the 24th never taken place.