{"id":952750,"date":"2026-05-11T14:12:31","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T14:12:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/952750\/"},"modified":"2026-05-11T14:12:31","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T14:12:31","slug":"habib-hajallies-meticulous-ballpoint-pen-drawings-examine-the-depths-of-emotion-colossal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/952750\/","title":{"rendered":"Habib Hajallie’s Meticulous Ballpoint Pen Drawings Examine the Depths of Emotion \u2014 Colossal"},"content":{"rendered":"

In ballpoint pen on found fragments of philosophical and historical texts, Habib Hajallie<\/a> delves into the emotional realm of memory, connection, and loss. The Kent-based artist often celebrates Black cultural figures and beloved family members, along with examining his own personal experiences as a British man of Sierra Leonean and Lebanese heritage. In his current solo exhibition, Black & Blue at Larkin Durey<\/a>, Hajallie grapples with the devastating stillbirth of his daughter and the \u201cindescribable emotions that sit beneath language,\u201d says the gallery.<\/p>\n

For this show, the artist deliberately switched from using black ballpoint ink to blue. As he made these works, Hajallie also reflected on the loss of his sister four years ago. Using antique maps and snippets of philosophical and sociological writings, he portrays subtle sides of what the gallery describes as \u201can altered sense of self.\u201d Figures, including several self-portraits, exude feelings of despair, confusion, numbness, care, and the nuanced emotions that emerge in-between.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>\u201cStill Remain\u201d (2026), ballpoint pen on antique texts, 11 3\/8 x 16 1\/2 inches<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile this series is concerned with the internal landscape of loss and what it means to endure a profoundly altered reality, each artwork has acted as an invaluable step towards healing,\u201d the gallery says. \u201cBy drawing directly onto antique texts that explore morality, purpose, and transcendence, Hajallie\u2019s personal pain enters into a wider conversation about finding meaning and the ways in which drawing can become a space of solace and catharsis.\u201d<\/p>\n

Black & Blue continues through May 22 in London. See more on the artist\u2019s Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>\u201cA Refuge Among Reflections\u201d (2026), ballpoint pen on antique texts, 33 1\/8 x 23 1\/4 inches<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>Detail of \u201cA Refuge Among Reflections\u201d<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>\u201cThis Mind Hath Demolition Reached\u201d (2025), ballpoint pen on antique texts, 11 3\/4 x 16 1\/2 inches<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>\u201cNothing Else to Fear\u201d (2026), ballpoint pen on antique texts, 33 1\/8 x 23 1\/4 inches<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>\u201cArise and Walk Strongly and Fearlessly\u201d (2026), ballpoint pen on antique texts, 33 1\/8 x 23 1\/4 inches<\/p>\n

Do stories and artists like this matter to you?<\/strong> Become a Colossal Member<\/a> now, and support independent arts publishing.<\/p>\n