Habib is an outstanding artist who creates stunning portraits of historically overlooked and omitted people through ballpoint pen pictures.
He seeks to empower often marginalised minorities by exploring identity through portraiture. In this way, he aims to be a catalyst for discussion about the differing values placed on certain demographics to counteract the all too often negative portrayal in the mainstream media.
Habib uses the simple ballpoint pen to celebrate authentic drawing almost as a counterpoint to the digital age.
His work contradicts some of the perceptions of West African history which are often at the root of the prejudice he has experienced himself.
Though born in Southeast London, Habib’s work is influenced by his Sierra Leonean and Lebanese heritage.
In September 2022, Habib was announced as one of the first cohorts of artists for 20/20 by the University of the Arts London Decolonising Arts Institute. 20/20 is a national commissioning and network project directly investing in the careers of a new generation of ethnically diverse artists. He will take up a residency at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester.
Habib has been elected as a member of the Royal Society of British Artists, and was Artist-in-Residence at Facebook.