Skip to main content

Colin Graham

London
Colin Graham is a UK-based graphic designer, art director, and curator whose practice is rooted in cultural memory, diasporic history, and socially engaged design.

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.

Become a Member

Join the UK’s Leading Artist Community

Be part of a caring, mutual aid network. Connect with fellow artists and access insurance, space, opportunities, and support to grow your practice.

Become a member!