Colin Graham
Working within a multilingual educational design environment in London, he develops visual systems across twelve languages and diverse typographic traditions, foregrounding inclusive communication and cross-cultural dialogue.
Currently undertaking an MA in Strategic Graphic Design, Colin’s research explores the role of AI in shaping future design methodologies alongside an ongoing investigation into the history and legacy of the Windrush generation. His work positions design as both an archival tool and a civic instrument, connecting contemporary practice with overlooked or marginalised British histories.
Since the beginning of his career, Colin has initiated and curated community-centred cultural projects, including The Union Blacks Personalities Exhibition (1999–mid-2000s) and Benjamin Zephaniah: A British Affair, developed in collaboration with and supported by the late Benjamin Zephaniah, Peter Fryer, Len Garrison, and many others. His practice brings together symbolic storytelling, systems mapping, and the preservation of diasporic narratives, using visual communication as a means of cultural memory and collective authorship.
A committed advocate for the inclusion of Black and ethnic minority histories within the national curriculum, Colin’s work bridges design, education, and cultural heritage. He holds a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design, is a member of the International Society of Typographic Designers, and previously held membership with the Institute of Leadership and Management. His ongoing practice continues to explore how design can function as a site of care, representation, and historical continuity within British art and culture.
Kingston University, London
Croydon College of Art and Design
Solo Exhibitions
1999 Union Blacks, Black Cultural Archives
1999 Union Blacks, Centerprise,
2000 Union Blacks, Fairfield Halls
2001 Union Blacks, Centerprise,
2002 Union Blacks, Black History Month, Borders UK, London
2002 Union Blacks, Centerprise,
2003 Union Blacks, Foyles, London
2003 Windrush Flag, Windrush event and celebration
2003 Union Blacks, Black History Month, Borders UK, London
2003 Union Blacks, Centerprise,
2004 Union Blacks, First Out, London
2005 Windrush Flag, Windrush event and celebration
2005 Union Blacks, First Out, London
2008 Union Blacks, Black History Month, Evelyn Grace Academy, London
2009 Windrush Flag, Windrush event and celebration
Group Exhibitions
2003 Made in Cornwall exhibition, The Beatrice Royal Art Gallery, Hampshire
2003 Group exhibition, Gallery Kaleidoscope, London
2004 Moving Here, The National Archives, online
2006 Benjamin’s Britain, National Portrait Gallery, London
Documentaries
2003 Union Blacks, BBC Race and Gender documentary
2008 Union Blacks, Empire - Benjamin Zephaniah, music video
Book covers
Benjamin Zephaniah, Too Black Too Strong
Helping Artists Keep Going
Axis is an artist-led charity supporting contemporary visual artists with resources, connection, and visibility.