Artists in Residence

Habib’s practice looks to empower often marginalised minorities through the exploration of identity within his ballpoint pen portraiture. Much of his work uses antique texts and maps as canvases allowing him to re-contextualise them and create a connection between the concepts informing his work and the aesthetic output. During his residency he will be exploring our collection and using it as inspiration for a piece of art to be acquired by the Gallery.

In March 2022 Habib was elected to the Royal Society of British Artists and was the winner of the UK New Artist of The Year Award 2022.

Habib’s residency is part of the University of the Arts London 20/20 project, which is directly investing in the careers of a new generation of ethnically diverse artists. The artists look at issues related to identity, self, and heritage, as well as the lived experiences of cultural and structural marginalization, working-class communities, and environmental issues. De/colonization and colonial trauma, concepts of appropriation, ownership, and hybridity, and the representation of exile and migration in the UK are all common themes in their work.

The project is funded by the Freelands Foundation, Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants Programme and UAL.

Find out more about Habib’s work on his website or follow him on Instagram. Habib is also currently artist in residence at Watts Gallery, exploring what it means to be a Great Britain through the work of G.F. Watts and Frederick.