Rise, Habibi

In partnership with Saqi Books & Shubbak 2025, Radical Love’s ‘Rise, Habibi’ showcases the groundbreaking poems of 30 Arab & Muslim women writing over 1,000 years ago, taken from Saqi's cult collection 'Classical Poems by Arab Women' translated by Abdullah al-Udhari.

We posted them (in original Arabic and English translation) to 50 emerging artists across the world who reimagined these ancient words in photography, paint, sculpture and textile for a breathtaking and deeply personal exhibition unlike any other.

In times of crushing despair, we draw inspiration from warriors, saints, princesses and slaves who defied expectation and refused to be silenced as we celebrate the enduring legacy of female Arab and Muslim creative resistance.

"Better to live in hardship then end up as a whipping girl"

Zabba 9C Abbasid Dynasty

Over a thousand years old but timeless, short & sweet, in just a few lines 30 women bare their hearts and souls as mothers dote on babies, girls crush on forbidden boys (and girls), celebrated scholars rebel against patriarchy and the daughters of slaves revolt against greed, all using poetry as their form of creative expression and resistance.

"Can't you see we've become beetles run by a beetle boss?"

Hajna 8C Baghdad

Breathing new life into those ancient poems are artists including Kazna Asker, Dana Barqawi, Malak Mattar, Azraa Motala, Ilona Szalay, Yara Said, Molly Crabapple, Hana Gamal, Zahra Marwan, Nadine Faraj, Lizzy Vartanian, Tamsin Abbott, Lena Kassicieh, Sheila Nortley, Saraiya Bah, Mariam Tafsiri, Reem Arkan, Miyuki Kasahara, Eylül Aslan, Nouf Alhimiary, Darin Ahmad, Chantey Dayal, Anouska Beckwith, Mobeen Akhtar, Aula al Ayoubi, Farah Soobhan, Vean Ima, Nina Gadd, Cherryl Brunel, Hend al Mansour, Khadijah Rehman, Eli Wirija, Femi Tiwo, Kit Dambite, Samar Hejazi, Ana Cayuela Munoz, Hana Almilli, Michelle Dickson, Saba Siddiqui, Sandra Daniel, Timi Hayek, Dia Batal, Fatma Al Najjar, Enas Saeed, Hala Kamona, Noa Avishag Schnall, Vicki da Silva, Maisa Mansour, Salma Hossam Almadhoun, Nada Rajab and Joumana Medlej.

Art for Sale with profits going directly to families in Gaza.

"If you were not a star I would be in the dark. Salaam to your beauty from one who misses the thrills of your company"

Hafsa 12C Granada

Tickets

Rise, Habibi opens with live performances on May 28 and runs until June 14 at The Crypt Gallery, St Pancras where Caryatids oversee the magic of this female collaboration across centuries.

We want everyone to come and experience this gorgeous show so if you can't, don't worry, but if you can please support this independent exhibition by giving a contribution towards the ticket of £5/ £10 (or more if you’ve got it!), profits after costs go to a charity in Gaza.

Made possible with support from Gingko.

Two ticketed events to watch out for...

Opening night with live performance and poetry reading / artist Q&A… details coming soon.

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