Raw and moving: Dawn Butler reviews 'The Purpose of Light'
London, June 2020: 'The Unspoken Truth' | Image copyright: Hope93 Gallery and the Artist
4 min read
A collection of extraordinary photographs, Misan Harriman’s work needs to be seen in person in order to appreciate how truly impressive it is
I recently had the honour of visiting The Purpose of Light, an amazing exhibition by Misan Harriman at the Hope 93 Gallery in London.
It was an unforgettable experience and unlike anything I’ve encountered before.
From the moment you step inside, you are struck by a powerful image: a woman holding a sign that reads, “Why is ending racism a debate?”
I felt a lump in my throat immediately and it stopped me in my tracks. It was such a powerful way to start. I thought to myself – that’s it, isn’t it? That’s the question and the answer. I don’t need to see anything else.
Because why is ending racism a debate? It shouldn’t be. That photograph hit me so hard I was nearly in tears, and I hadn’t even seen the rest of the exhibition.
Through his lens, Misan projects the certainty that a better world is possible
London, November 2024: 'United in Protest'
Image copyright: Hope93 Gallery and the Artist
Grounded and humbled by that first image, I took a deep breath and walked in. As I moved through the gallery, I passed photo after photo of protesters holding lovingly handwritten signs – messages full of defiance, resilience, love and understanding.
With every step, I was reminded of the marches I’ve been on myself. Every picture stirred something inside me. I kept fighting back tears, until one image: “Israelis and Palestinians are at our strongest when we see the humanity in each other and lead with love for this land over hate.”
It finally broke me, and I cried. In many of the arguments I am often left wondering, where is the humanity?
London, August 2024: 'Listen to the Elders' |Image copyright: Hope93 Gallery and the Artist
I don’t think many exhibitions capture the now – the rawness of the present – with the immediacy this one does. A moment that, a hundred years from now, when we’re all dead and buried, people will still be talking about. They will be asking: “What did they do? Why did they allow these things to happen and how did they make change?”
This exhibition doesn’t just show you the events, it brings you into the thought processes and hearts of those photographed too.
People holding placards with messages like, “If you’re looking at immigration, you’re looking in the wrong direction,” or “This is the last generation you f**k with.”
The words on the placards are the words that will be written in the history book. And that’s what this exhibition makes so clear: peace is what we should be fighting for. Peace is the only solution.
I plan to bring this exhibition to Parliament. I don’t know if others will be as moved as I was – or if they’ve marched for Grenfell, Black Lives Matter, or for peace in the Middle East.
Dawn Butler with Misan Harriman
But even if they haven’t, these pictures will take them there. And for those who have, these pictures will take them right back.
It’s hard to put into words just how impressive this is. You need to see it, to stand in front of these images, to truly understand it.
Misan Harriman is an extraordinary photographer. I’m so grateful he chose to share his work with the world. And I’m also grateful to Aki Abiola for putting on this incredible exhibition at his gallery. I urge everyone to visit.
Through his lens, Misan projects the certainty that a better world is possible. And there are enough of us to make it happen.
Dawn Butler is Labour MP for Brent East
The Purpose of Light
Photography by: Misan Harriman
Venue: Hope 93 Gallery, London W1 – until 30 October
