Colin Graham
As an artist I am interested in challenging notions of identity and diversity. Using mixed media I attempt to represent real and abstract forms and notions which deal both historically with my place in a generation of persons of Afro-Caribbean origin as well as a member of a wider international society and culture.
At present I am looking to highlight the influence of personalities who have shared and contributed to the British experience. I am not seeking to celebrate the individual but utilise them as conduits, who characterise our past, present and future history and make a wider statement which maintains and praises British diversity while illuminating an often ignored link in its rich multiculture.
Current project:
Benjamin Zephaniah 'A British Affair' is an attempt to study Benjamin Zephaniah through visual art, an enquiry into a truly diverse character portrayed through photography and quotes. I am taking a look at Zephaniah from several viewpoints: Britain and the world, creativity, culture, equality, history, humanitarianism, learning, life, love and veganism.
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