I am not a moment.
I took this photo on my first visit to Misan Harriman’s exhibition, ‘The Purpose of Light’. Presently on at Hope 93 gallery, until October 30th, 2025. Hope 93 was founded by Aki Abiola. He describes it as an art gallery, advisory, and events space.
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. Here are two excerpts:
J M Whyne | @jjsmuse | 24 July 2025
The unfinished symphony is the daily reality of those oppressed by the white keys determined to keep us as minors.
I am not a moment, nor a movement.
Can you only see me when all breath has been extinguished from my body? All my liberties taken, colonisers’ shackles ever at the ready. My dignity ground to ashes to ashes.
In the light of the racist underbelly of the U.K. baring itself again, this photo feels additionally poignant. It remains maddening, yet dishearteningly unsurprising, that racism remains a debate
Photo taken at ‘The Purpose of Light’ exhibition, July 24th, 2025
The Power of Connection
A bonus surprise on this visit was having Misan Harriman be the first person to greet me. He also thanked me for coming. Something I observed him doing to numerous people who stepped into the gallery. His humility and generosity of spirit were tangibly evident.
It was a generosity extended to my friend, Rich Harris, who came with me. Rich is also a photographer, and struck up a conversation with Misan. It was beautiful to witness and had a profound impact.
More than anything else, it is my hope that my work will make people feel they are not alone.
Misan Harriman (a quote on the wall by the entrance.)
A Return Visit
On my 2nd visit, I went with two fellow poets, Neelofer Georgiou & Jackie Sear. The fruit of an idea that it would be cool to visit the exhibition with some poets. There was no strict agenda. Simply an invitation to: just be, take in the exhibition, and if prompted by any images, to respond.
As I entered the gallery, the photo below stopped me in my tracks. The words, ‘Be in no doubt of what I stand for.’ sprang to mind. Words that were later added to and became a poem.
Be in no doubt of what I stand for.
Photo taken at ‘The Purpose of Light’ exhibition, August 30th, 2025
This photo wasn’t there on my first visit; a bench had been there. The same bench on which I sat and wrote the free write during my first visit. Positioned directly and horizontally below where it now hung. And although I can’t 100% attest to it, I’m certain it wasn’t displayed anywhere else in the gallery. Considering its power and hold on me, I find it hard to imagine I wouldn’t have noticed it.
Are we taking notice?
In life, as surprising and at times illogical as it seems, unmissable things can go unnoticed. Some of us genuinely don’t see until we do. Prompted by something so undeniable or striking that the light finally dawns. Others of us see and choose to look on or away. We have ample evidence of this in the form of our so-called political leaders. Who seem perfectly content to entertain and shake hands with the grim reapers of genocide.
What part will we play in ensuring things don’t go unnoticed?
‘The Purpose of Light‘ is a fitting name for this exhibition. Misan’s photos are some of those undeniable things and are definitely striking. They document and spotlight pivotal times over the last few years. They also show us that humanity is not completely lost; light still shines in and through many of us.
In a world where genocide is being called everything except its name and far-right fascists are being given carte blanche, what should people be in no doubt about when it comes to where we stand?
If you haven’t visited Hope 93 gallery yet, this is the time to do so. ‘The Purpose of Light’ exhibition is on until October 30th, 2025